re: PFT, suspensions could be thrown out on technicality error by NFL

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As a federal agent who was first a union steward and now a manager, I can tell you that if you violate the CBA, you're screwed. I've dealt with CBAs from both sides of the fence. I haven't read the particulars in this instance, but I can tell you that if it's clear cut and the 72 hours turns out to be 72 hours and 5 minutes, the NFL is in serious jeopardy. You have to be a stickler here. After all, if you allow the NFL to go 77 hours instead of 72 hours, what happens when the NFL violates the 72 hour rule again? They'll be able to say, "Well, we did it before and it was fine."

There are vague articles in any CBA such as, "both labor and management will promote health and safety" that are left to wide interpretation. Then there are hard and fast deadlines that have no wiggle room. They are what they are and can't be interpreted or reasoned around.

In addition, when handling evidence and preparing discovery for the defense, I have exactly 10 calendar days to push it out. Not 11 days, not 10 days, 2 hours. If I don't get a waiver from a judge, my case is thrown out. Call it a technicality, call it whatever. But if Goodell violated the rules, any arbitrator in the country will rule in favor for the players in less time than it takes to finish his chocolate doughnut.

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