Union files grievance for Seymour

[Forkboy]

FOXBOROUGH - The Richard Seymour saga has a new twist.

The NFL Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Seymour yesterday, according to a source familiar with the union’s thinking. The grievance claims that the Oakland Raiders were not within their rights to send him a “five-day letter,’’ which noted he could be suspended for the season if he doesn’t report to the team by Tuesday.

The grievance calls for an expedited hearing, so a decision can be made before Tuesday’s deadline.

The NFLPA plans to argue that the “five-day letter’’ rules do not apply to players who are traded from one team to another. Part of the argument appears to be that since Seymour has not taken a physical, the final step to presumably consummating the trade, the Raiders are not within their rights to send the letter.

If Seymour wins the grievance, it’s possible that last Sunday’s trade in which the Raiders swapped a 2011 first-round draft choice to the Patriots for Seymour won’t be consummated.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/09/12/union_files_grievance_for_seymour/

[Auggie]

1. It would be best if this trade doesn't go through

Seymour doesn't want to to play for Oakland. Period. Who could blame him? And who would want a player this disgruntled?

[JonLP24]

2. Some unidentified sources "close to Richard Seymour" or "familiar with negotiations"

say Seymour is expected to report with Oakland as early as today.
http://www.mercurynews.com/sabercats/ci_13320411

:shrug:

[Auggie]

4. Thanks for the update

[Forkboy]

3. As a Pats fan I don't mind if it goes through.

I want that early 1st round pick that the Raiders are sure to provide. :D

I will say the whole thing was a major surprise to me, and probably to him as well. I didn't see this coming at all, even with the notoriously non-sentimental Patriots. I feel bad for Seymour, but he has a new team and new players counting on him now. He needs to step up and do the right thing for those new teammates, and I hope he does report today as indicated he might.

[Auggie]

5. UPDATE: Seymour reports to Raiders -- expected to play Monday night

[Forkboy]

6. Good on him.

I wish him luck after that draft pick comes the Pats way. :)

[Auggie]

7. Pats will draft within the top 5.

Shows how desperate the Raiders were over their anemic run defense too.

[JonLP24]

8. So...

What did you think of my dream? :D

Further from reality but Lisa Salters at 5:33 in the 1st quarter did mention Tressell said he read press clippings to his players to show them what the media was saying about them to motivate them. Though it wasn't very back and forth and Barkley made some key throws on that game winning drive. Too bad you didn't get the 7. :(

[Forkboy]

9. I still have 5 more games that I picked.

Three today, and both games tomorrow.

Last night's game was still a tight one to watch, so it's all good. I'm glad USC pulled it out either way though.

Got some good games to choose from this afternoon. Looking forward to the Miami/Atlanta game first, the 49ers can test themselves early against Arizona, and the Bears/Packers tonight. May have to switch around on the afternoon games because the Giants/Skins game should be interesting too.

Between this and hockey firing up this week I'm a happy guy. :)