NEW YORK -
The Patriots are once again facing controversy, but this time it's for how they've treated one of their own players.
According to multiple reports, the NFL Player's Association has filed a complaint against the Patriots for not allowing cornerback Malcolm Butler to participate in on-field activities because the second-year pro missed a voluntary workout session on May 26.
The complaint by the union was filed Wednesday and done without Butler's approval. The Super Bowl hero has not expressed any frustration with the team publicly, and it appears the appeal has more to do with setting a precedent, and less to do with this specific case.
The union cited the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), alleging the Patriots disciplined a player for missing a voluntary workout, which is not allowed. However, Butler was not banned from the building, he just wasn't on the field, which seems to open the door for the Patriots to call this is a roster decision and not a punishment.
Butler did take the field for the Patriots during the last week of OTA's, and figures to be a main contributor to the defense after his Super Bowl saving interception, and the departure of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington, and Alfonzo Dennard.
