The NFLPA has announced that it will file a motion to recuse former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue from his position as arbitrator in the bounty cases. The move comes two days after the NFLPA sent Tagaliabue a letter asking him to address multiple questions regarding his ability to proceed.
We’re told that Tagliabue responded to the letter, and that Tagliabue said he needs more time to address the issues.
The NFLPA’s hands were tied, however, by the time frame that Judge Helen Berrigan established for filing paperwork on the recusal issue.
In theory, Tagliabue could still persuade the NFLPA to abandon its position via a letter sent after the NFLPA files is motion to recuse. In practice, that’s highly unlikely. Though the October 22 letter at no point asks Tagliabue to step aside, the letter makes clear the union’s belief that he should.