New Counsel For NFLPA In StarCaps Case

We’ve learned that the NFL Players Association has hired new counsel for the StarCaps litigation regarding five player suspensions arising from the taking of an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement that had been tainted with a prescription diuretic.
The NFLPA did not respond to our request for confirmation.
It’s unclear whether this means that primary outside counsel Jeff Kessler will still be involved in the representation of the NFLPA in this case.
Either way, the involvement of new counsel doesn’t bode well for Kessler’s ongoing status as the union’s go-to guy for all legal matters.
Kessler’s status has been somewhat uncertain ever since DeMaurice Smith became the union’s new Executive Director.  On one hand, Kessler has a tremendous wealth of institutional knowledge regarding the union and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  On the other hand, Kessler is viewed by some as a polarizing figure, who does more harm than good via a combative and belligerent style.