Report: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Warned of Potential Legal Action Against the Broncos for Benching Quarterback Russell Wilson
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has issued a legal threat against the Denver Broncos in response to their controversial decision to bench quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 season.
On Wednesday, the Broncos announced that they would be benching the nine-time Pro Bowler in favor of backup Jarrett Stidham for the remaining two games. Wilson subsequently confirmed to reporters on Friday that his benching was due to financial considerations. The Broncos were concerned about a potential $37 million in guaranteed money for the year 2025 if Wilson were to sustain an injury. Wilson stated that the Broncos had informed him during their Week 9 bye week that he would be benched if he didn't agree to modify the injury guarantees in his contract.
Mark Maske of The Washington Post reported that the NFLPA had warned the Broncos in a letter sent in early November. The letter asserted that the team's threat to bench Wilson unless he adjusted his contract was not only illegal but also a violation of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA. This warning raised the possibility that the NFLPA might pursue arbitration or litigation against both the team and the league.
Despite the controversy surrounding his benching, Wilson has had a successful comeback season under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, with a completion rate of 66.4 percent on his passes, totaling 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns while throwing just eight interceptions.
| POLL | ||
2 JANVIER | 126 ANSWERS Report: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Warned of Potential Legal Action Against the Broncos for Benching Quarterback Russell Wilson Should the broncos be fined for the way they handled the Russ Wilson situation? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 61.9 % |
| no | 48 | 38.1 % |
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