The NFLPA has alleged the NFL violated the CBA with how it administers painkiller medication to players. The union filed a grievance on April 28, asking the league to fire team medical staff responsible and come into compliance with federal and state drug regulations. The NFLPA grievance stems from an ongoing lawsuit brought by former players who allege they were illegally given painkillers. However, the union's issues, while based on documents that emerged from that case, covers only conduct post August '11, when the current CBA started. “[T]he Complaint contains information indicating that the NFL and Clubs have violated their respective legal duties concerning the health and safety of NFL players,” the grievance stated. “Indeed, the content of the Complaint raises serious issues about whether the NFL knew about potential and on-going criminal violations regarding prescription drugs, as well as troubling questions about the legality and medical ethics of the dispensing of painkillers by NFL medical personnel to players." Allegations included some team physicians travelling with controlled substances, failing to warn players of the risks of the drugs and dispensing by non-physicians. Under the CBA dispute process, either side can file a grievance with an arbitrator, and either side can appeal that decision in court. The NFL could not immediately be reached for comment.
