Arbitrator rules against Jags in NFLPA grievance

Tom Coughlin tried to fine former Jaguars DE Dante Fowler more than $700,000 for missing “mandatory” appointments with a team trainer or physician, just one example of how Coughlin has run roughshod over players since his return to Jacksonville, according to the players’ union.

The NFLPA filed a grievance on behalf of Fowler and other Jaguars, challenging the club’s right to discipline players in those circumstances. An arbitrator has ruled in favor of the NFLPA, negating the fines levied by Jacksonville in 2018. The union responded by blistering the Jaguars in a statement.

“The decision puts a stop to the blatant overreach by the Jaguars and emphasizes the voluntary nature of almost all football activities during the offseason,” the NFLPA said. Fowler reacted to the decision on Twitter: “They literally hated me. I got it all back though! Thanks to the NFLPA.”

The arbitrator affirmed that the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement does not allow teams to require rehabilitation or medical appointments be held at team facilities during the offseason. Coughlin and the Jaguars allegedly tried to require injured players to rehab at the facility. When players failed to attend the sessions, the club disciplined them. Fowler, who was traded to the Rams in October 2018, was fined 25 times for missing those appointments.

It’s the latest black eye for the Coughlin, the team’s executive VP of football operation. The NFLPA investigated the Jaguars after Coughlin, 73, sent a letter to several players under contract in March 2017 and told them to return to Jacksonville for a physical examination.