The NFLPA has confirmed that a grievance has been filed regarding the ongoing suspension of Dolphins guard Richie Incognito.
“Richie Incognito filed a non-injury grievance against his employer, the Miami Dolphins, pursuant to his rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement,” the NFLPA said in a statement. “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 continues to try to strike a delicate balance, protecting the rights of alleged victims like Jonathan Martin and alleged agressors like Incognito. In this specific case, the best way to harmonize the obvious conflict of interest is to find a way to paint Incognito as a victim, too, perhaps via the “Code Red” defense.
As we understand it, the notion that Incognito was merely carrying out orders won’t hold water -- and that the evidence Martin produces to independent investigator Ted Wells on Friday will show that multiple teammates went far beyond what could reasonably be expected, even if there was an order to toughen up Martin.
Which means that the NFLPA eventually could be defending other alleged aggressors, too.