Packers DT Mike Pennel sues NFL, NFLPA over suspension appeal
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Pennel sued the NFL and NFL Players Association after seeking additional neutral arbitrators for an appeal of a possible suspension for violation the league's substance-abuse policy, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The suit, filed in a Ohio federal court, says that the arbitrator currently assigned to handle Pennel's case was “improperly assigned” and he wants the appeal process to be delayed until a third-party arbitrator joins the case.
Pennel reportedly received a second suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy after having already sat out the first four games of 2016 of this season for the first violation. He has played in all seven games since the suspension, recording six combined tackles.
Pennel, a third-year pro, is looking at a ban of a least six games if his appeal fails. The appeal is set to be heard on Dec. 6.
Pennel is the second NFL player to sue the league after a substance-abuse violation.
Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson filed suit with the National Labor Relations Board in regards his 10-game suspension for a PED violation.
– Scooby Axson