Eleven days ago, the Dolphins suspended guard Richie Incognito. On Thursday, he officially launched an attack against the suspension.
According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Incognito has filed a non-injury grievance under the CBA. The grievance will be heard by an independent arbitrator.
Over the weekend, we reported that the suspension is indefinite, but that the Dolphins can keep him away for a maximum of four games. As of Monday, December 2, they have to reinstate him or cut him.
Per Mort, Incognito wants an expedited hearing. This could reduced his absence, forcing the Dolphins to bring him back or cut him sooner than December 2.
He already has missed one game. If the arbitrator finds that no suspension was warranted, Incognito would be eligible to receive his game check for the Week 10 contest at Tampa, and for any other games he misses before he is reinstated.
The Dolphins immediately suspended Incognito after receiving evidence from tackle Jonathan Martin regarding alleged harassment, including a voice message in which Incognito uses a racial slur.
“I was appalled, I think anybody would be appalled,” owner Stephen Ross said earlier this week. “When you first read that text that was reported, to me I didn’t realize people would talk, text or speak that way to people.”
Whether that warrants a four-game suspension — or any suspension — will be determined by an arbitrator. Either way, it remains unlikely that Incognito will play for the Dolphins again.