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Following allegations of player misconduct from tackle Jonathan Martin, the Miami Dolphins suspended guard Richie Incognito. Martin's allegations are that Incognito, and possibly other players on the Dolphins, bullied and harassed him over the year-and-a-half Martin spent with the team. With the evidence Martin's representatives turned over to the team, head coach Joe Philbin suspended Incognito, describing it as an "indefinite" suspension.
According to the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association, the suspension can only last four games, with the team able to then fine Incognito one additional game check.
Last night, reports surfaced that Incognito, as had been expected, filed a grievance against the Dolphins, over the suspension. Incognito requested an expedited hearing, which will take place in front of a neutral arbitrator. Following the reports of the grievance, the NFLPA issued the following statement:
Richie Incognito filed a non-injury grievance against his employer, the Miami Dolphins, pursuant to his rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The grievance challenges his suspension for conduct which was alleged to have occurred while he was with the club. In the grievance, Incognito requests that the hearing be held on an expedited basis so that he can immediately resume playing for the team. The NFL Players Association will continue to protect the rights of all players.
The NFLPA is in an interesting position during this situation, as they must represent both Incognito and Martin, despite Martin's allegations against Incognito.
No timetable on the expedited hearing had been announced.
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