NFL Responds to NFLPA Grievances

Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com has posted the NFL's official statement in response to the grievances filed by the NFLPA.

Make the jump for the full text.

On May 2, Commissioner Goodell suspended four current or former New Orleans Saints players for conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL based on their participation in the pay-for-performance/bounty program that operated during the 2009-2011 seasons.

Last night, the NFLPA initiated two arbitration proceedings challenging the suspensions. The proceedings do not challenge the underlying facts, which were first shared with the union more than two months ago after being obtained from Saints executives, coaches, players, and others. The proceedings also do not challenge the reasonableness of the discipline imposed by the commissioner.

In one proceeding, the union seeks immunity for the four suspended players, a position it never advanced during months of discussion on this matter. In the other, the union argues that someone other than the commissioner should have imposed the discipline.

We expect that the arbitrators will 1) reject the union's efforts to protect players from accountability for prohibited and dangerous conduct directed against other players and 2) uphold the disciplinary process that was so carefully negotiated in the Collective Bargaining less than a year ago.

Thanks for this, Mike!

So, there it is. Some bluster and a "move along" vibe. Are you ready to just move along? I wonder how this will actually play out...

With all this airing of greivances, I'm looking to re-install my Festivus pole and to start working out to get ready for the feats of strength!