Union files grievance against NFL over Saints bounty case

The NFLPA has filed a grievance over the Saints bounty case claiming Commissioner Roger Goodell has overstepped his duties in suspending four New Orleans Saints players.

The grievance, first reported by Pro Player Insider, is extremely complicated but basically comes down to the union saying that Goodell doesn't have the authority to suspend the players, that his actions violated the collective bargaining agreement and that the NFL hasn't presented sufficient evidence to suspend the Saints players. The NFL maintains it has presented plenty of evidence to justify Goodell's actions.

This will get interesting, to say the least. The significance of the grievance isn't the grievance itself, but it symbolizes the union's approach. They are going to fight Goodell to the end using every possible legal tactic. This case is far from over or settled.

Also, the union will continue to claim that the league hasn't presented enough evidence to justify the suspensions. It's a smart tactic by the union, if not slightly disingenious. The union knows the league will never turn over the evidence so the more the union says the league should, and the NFL continues to resist, the more the NFL looks like it's hiding evidence.

So the fight continues and will continue for some time.