This NFL offseason featured a ton of discussion about running backs not receiving new contracts that most believe they deserve. And now, the NFL is reportedly filing a grievance with the NFLPA over a wild claim about running backs exaggerating injuries to gain leverage in contract negotiation.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post broke the news on social media Monday, detailing that the NFL is claiming that the NFLPA is advising running backs to fake injuries as a contract-negotiating tactic with teams.
This has reportedly been told to league owners by the Management Council Executive Committee.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFLPA is fully denying this accusation, calling it “ridiculous and without merit.”
It is obviously very interesting to hear something like this come out. And fans offered their opinions on whether or not they believe this could be true on social media.
I'm sure alienating your players' union will go over very well
— Eli (Baseball Edition) (@TLawClears) September 18, 2023
I love this. If the NFLPA feels emboldened to challenge the league, the league needs to push back. The players are NOT bigger than the league.
— Coach Middlescreen (@middlescreen1) September 18, 2023
That makes no sense lol. Why would any player pretend to be injured or exaggerate the Injury given how easy it is to be overlooked as a player if u have a history of injury.
— ZeeQuietQueer (@QuietObserver10) September 18, 2023
Like who? pic.twitter.com/cA1SG6OUnv
— coltSpur (@Its2ColtOutside) September 18, 2023
It’s 100% true. Can they prove it though? I think the whole Jonathan Taylor situation and countless others already has
— Dakota Smith (@sdakota22) September 18, 2023
It very well may be a claim that has no merit like the NFLPA is saying. That being said, Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor’s situation could very well be argued to be a contract negotiation tactic.
Taylor notably requested a trade from the Colts before the start of the season after contract negotiations broke down between the two sides. He was then placed on the IR to start the season with an ankle injury.
Obviously only Taylor knows exactly how injured his ankle truly is. But considering all of his problems with the Colts organization, it wouldn’t be overly shocking to hear that his injury isn’t quite as bad as he is saying it is…
[Mark Maske on Twitter, Tom Pelissero on Twitter]