NFLPA files complaint vs. Patriots for punishing Malcolm Butler

[SDGuy73]

I saw this coming. Frankly, I'm happy about it. You can't discipline a player like that for voluntary work outs. BB was out of line.

NFL Players Association files complaint vs. New England Patriots on Malcolm Butler

 

[BigKen]

Teams have rule. Even for voluntary workouts. Break the rules, take the discipline. The Patriots had the right to refuse him access to the stadium.

He booked the last possible flight, the flight got cancelled. Bad decision.

As I've previously stated......Belichick tells every rookie, free agent and anyone else when they sign their contract not to place themselves in jeporady of being late. Weather is not an excuse. Snow, rain, sleet, fog are all common in New England. He specifically tells players who leave the state to go home or travel fro business or pleasure not to book the last flight back. Butler didn't listen or chose to ignore the warning.

He didn't lose any money. He was forbidden from on field practice. What's the union's beef?

 

[SDGuy73]

The union cited Article 21 of the CBA, alleging the Patriots disciplined a player for missing a voluntary workout, which indicated the workouts were not voluntary, and, as the CBA states, an absence from a voluntary activity cannot result in "adverse consequences affecting his working conditions."

 

[SDGuy73]

Teams have rule. Even for voluntary workouts. Break the rules, take the discipline. The Patriots had the right to refuse him access to the stadium.

He booked the last possible flight, the flight got cancelled. Bad decision.

As I've previously stated......Belichick tells every rookie, free agent and anyone else when they sign their contract not to place themselves in jeporady of being late. Weather is not an excuse. Snow, rain, sleet, fog are all common in New England. He specifically tells players who leave the state to go home or travel fro business or pleasure not to book the last flight back. Butler didn't listen or chose to ignore the warning.

He didn't lose any money. He was forbidden from on field practice. What's the union's beef?

Rules state you can't do that.

 

[NEhomer]

...and I can't stress enough the importance of the fact that we don't know the reason why he took that last flight. His reason probably lies somewhere between partying an extra day with friends and talking a good friend out of suicide. We just don't know enough to criticize the kid.

I like him and I hope this doesn't cause problems for him moving forward.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

This is so stupid. It really is.

 

[Southieinnc]

Family affair......

 

[PatsFan2003]

...and I can't stress enough the importance of the fact that we don't know the reason why he took that last flight. His reason probably lies somewhere between partying an extra day with friends and talking a good friend out of suicide. We just don't know enough to criticize the kid.

I like him and I hope this doesn't cause problems for him moving forward.

I don't think it will. He was back in practice and looking good actually. Some more tough love on Bellichick's part.

 

[TxHeat]

BB gets his hand slapped and everyone smiles and moves on. Personally I didn't agree with the punishment for being late to a voluntary workout.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Union filed without Butlers blessing, hopefully that bodes well for Butler moving foreward.

Union just doing their due diligence.

 

[BigKen]

Odd thing is that everyone is bitching except Butler.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Odd thing is that everyone is bitching except Butler.

One look at Jonas Gray's playing time...I'd keep my mouth shut too!!!

 

[SDGuy73]

One look at Jonas Gray's playing time...I'd keep my mouth shut too!!!

Exactly! How BK doesn't get that.

 

[SDGuy73]

BB gets his hand slapped and everyone smiles and moves on. Personally I didn't agree with the punishment for being late to a voluntary workout.

Totally agree. What people seem to be missing, is that it's voluntary. If it were mandatory.....I wouldn't have any issue with BB's disciplinary action. As I'm sure you many others wouldn't either.

 

[BigKen]

Exactly! How BK doesn't get that.

BK gets it, but what you guys don't seem to get is that there has to be controls in place. I'll give you an example......

80 guys show up for the voluntary workouts. 20 of them show up at 8 AM, 20 show up at 9 AM, 20 show up at10 AM and the last 20 show up at 10:30. The guys who showed up at 8 decide that at 9:45 they're going to head over to Dunkin Donuts and get an ice coffee and a couple of honey dipped. The guys who showed up at 9 decide they're going to take a quick shower and head up to CBS Scene for a quick lunch at 11:15......................It's voluntary, they don't have to be there or answer to anyone ...correct??

 

[Southieinnc]

BK gets it, but what you guys don't seem to get is that there has to be controls in place. I'll give you an example......

80 guys show up for the voluntary workouts. 20 of them show up at 8 AM, 20 show up at 9 AM, 20 show up at10 AM and the last 20 show up at 10:30. The guys who showed up at 8 decide that at 9:45 they're going to head over to Dunkin Donuts and get an ice coffee and a couple of honey dipped. The guys who showed up at 9 decide they're going to take a quick shower and head up to CBS Scene for a quick lunch at 11:15......................It's voluntary, they don't have to be there or answer to anyone ...correct??

Then you would call them Rex and the Jets......
It is Saturday morning here. I am going to work OT today. It is not mandatory.
I am expected to be on time.
OTA's not mandatory but being late is disruptive to the team.
If you are going to work, show up on time. That simple.