Attorney Calls Pats Ruling First Of Its Kind In The NFL

Sauerbrun Wins Precedent-Setting Grievance Against Patriots

Free agent P Todd Sauerbrun won his grievance against the Patriots, which “centered on whether the Patriots had rights of first refusal for Sauerbrun, who signed with them in December,” according to Bill Williamson of the DENVER POST. The NFLPA argued that the Patriots “did not attach a separate form with his contract required in deals including rights of first refusal for unrestricted free agents.” NFLPA outside counsel Jeff Kessler, who argued the case for Sauerbrun, indicated that the ruling “was the first of its kind in the NFL.” Kessler: “This is a blow to (the Patriots) because they didn’t follow the terms of the [CBA], and they suffer the consequences.” Sauerbrun is expected to sign with the Broncos (DENVER POST, 4/19). In Boston, Karen Guregian notes the Patriots “can appeal the ruling, although it’s unlikely they will” (BOSTON HERALD, 4/19).