Butler has been a focal point in New England since the final quarter of Super Bowl XLIX and his game-clinching interception that brought a fourth Lombardi Trophy to the Patriots. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Players Association has filed a complaint against the New England Patriots for preventing cornerback Malcolm Butler from participating in offseason workouts.
The complaint by the union was filed Wednesday and done without Butler’s approval following an initial review, according to ESPN and confirmed by the Boston Globe.
Butler has been a focal point in New England since the final quarter of Super Bowl XLIX and his game-clinching interception that brought a fourth Lombardi Trophy to the Patriots.
Butler intercepted a pass by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at the goal-line with 20 seconds remaining to preserve the Patriots’ 28-24 victory in the Super Bowl.
The undrafted rookie out of West Alabama became an instant star. He found himself at Disneyland, on late-night TV and in the middle of many parades.
According to ESPN, the union cited Article 21 of the collective bargaining agreement, alleging the Patriots disciplined a player for missing a voluntary workout, which indicated the workouts were not voluntary, and, as the CBA states, an absence from a voluntary activity cannot result in “adverse consequences affecting his working conditions.”
Butler was absent from the first six Patriots organized team activities after he was late for the first OTA on May 26. He missed a flight to Boston because of weather issues.
The union complaint said Butler was punished by not being allowed to participate in on-field practices from May 28 through June 5.
The NFLPA has asked the Patriots to hand over all tape or other records from practices that would show player attendance and participation.
Two weeks ago during OTAs, Butler didn’t want to talk much about his previous discipline-related absence.
“I really don’t have a comment about that. I’m just glad to get back out here, back participating, getting better. Just trying to get better,” Butler said. “I’m really not going to get into that.”
Butler did admit it was difficult to not be on the field.
“Take anything from somebody they love, it was tough,” he said. “But it is what it is.”
