Jump to content

NFLPA files grievance on Culpepper's behalf


Recommended Posts

I don't blame him for wanting out of Miami. There is no way he'll beat out Trent Green for the starting job. From Yahoo Sports:

NFLPA files grievance on Culpepper's behalf

By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer

June 12, 2007

MIAMI (AP) -- Daunte Culpepper is getting help from the NFL Players Association in his quest to be released from the Miami Dolphins.

The NFLPA filed a grievance Tuesday on Culpepper's behalf, with hopes that the matter can be resolved within a week, said Richard Berthelsen, the union's general counsel.

"They're breaching his contract by refusing to employ him or letting him go someplace else," Berthelsen said.

The grievance is similar to one filed by the NFLPA last year against the Tennessee Titans after the team barred Steve McNair from working out at its facility. McNair was eventually traded to Baltimore for a fourth-round draft pick.

"After attempting to handle the situation in Miami professionally and privately, I found that I could not get the Dolphins to do the right thing," Culpepper wrote in an e-mail to the AP on Tuesday night. "It is encouraging to know that the NFLPA is willing to step in and help both sides get past this impasse."

The Dolphins acknowledged receiving the complaint, but declined further comment.

Culpepper -- who started at quarterback for the first four games for the Dolphins last season -- asked to be released last week, shortly after Miami acquired Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins told Culpepper they wanted to trade him; Culpepper, who is owed $51.5 million over the remaining seven years of his contract, said he wants a release and vowed to block any trades.

Culpepper was among five quarterbacks taking part in individual drills when a minicamp began last Friday; about an hour into the first of five scheduled practices over the weekend, though, Culpepper walked off the field, escorted by a member of the team's security staff. Afterward, Culpepper said quarterbacks coach Terry Shea told him he was barred from team drills.

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said repeatedly last weekend he couldn't specifically comment on the Culpepper situation.

"We're expediting the case, meaning it has to be heard as soon as possible," Berthelsen said. "Every day that goes by, he's kept from going to another team and showing he could be their starter."

Culpepper suffered a serious right knee injury in 2005, was traded by the Minnesota Vikings to Miami for a second-round pick that offseason and surprised many by opening the season as the Dolphins' starter. He was hampered by knee problems, sacked 21 times in those four games and ultimately shut down for the remainder of the year.

He received medical clearance to fully resume football activities last week.

"After this is resolved, I look forward to the process of finding a team that would be interested in me as a man and a player," Culpepper wrote in the e-mail. "I can't wait to get back on the field so that I can show the entire NFL my progress."

In 84 games as an NFL starter, Culpepper has completed 64.2 percent of his passes and thrown for 21,091 yards and 137 touchdowns.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And the Jaguars are going to bring him in for a look. Wow, can you imagine that...Leftwich's starting job was rumored to be jeopardised by Gerard last season and now if they bring in Culpepper...both their starting jobs could be in trouble! How can you tell a guy you are our man but continue to look at other scenarios at QB.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dante hurts hand in car crash:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/sou...-home-headlines

Well, that certainly isn't going to help things...

No it won't, but it could have been worse...it could have been his throwing hand!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...