On Thursday, the NFLPA filed two separate grievances challenging the imposition of suspensions on four players by Commissioner Roger Goodell and, more specifically, arguing that Goodell should not be the person who presides over the appeals.
On Friday, the NFL responded to the grievances.
“The proceedings do not challenge the underlying facts,” the NFL explains, “which were first shared with the union more than two months ago after being obtained from Saints executives, coaches, players, and others. The proceedings also do not challenge the reasonableness of the discipline imposed by the commissioner.”
The league is right, but the grievances aren’t aimed at challenging the underlying facts. The grievances focus primarily on steering the appeals away from Goodell. The underlying facts will be challenged at a later date. For now, the fight centers on an effort to prevent Goodell from being the judge, jury, executioner, and appeals court.
