Report: NFLPA files complaint against Patriots on Malcolm Butler
The National Football League Players Association filed a complaint against the New England Patriots for not allowing cornerback Malcolm Butler to participate in on-field activities because he missed a voluntary session last month, reports ESPN.com.
According to the report, the NFLPA filed the complaint on Wednesday without Butler’s approval.
Butler reportedly showed up late for the first day of offseason team activities on May 26 after his attempt to arrive in Boston the day before was delayed because of inclement weather.
The union cited Article 21 of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement which states that no team can tell a player that the off-season workout program or classroom instruction is not voluntary, or if a player fails to participle in the workout that he could be released or face “other adverse consequences affecting his working conditions.”
Butler did participate in team meetings and strength workouts, but was not allowed on the field for practice, according to the union complaint.
Butler, 25, is best known for intercepting Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in the final minute at the goal line to seal the Patriots' 28-24 win in Super Bowl XLIX.
He played in 11 regular season games for New England last season, recording 19 tackles and seven passes defended.
Butler went undrafted out of West Alabama in 2014 and is entering his second NFL season.
- Scooby Axson
