Patterson's agent plans to file grievance against Eagles
Mike Patterson's agent said that he planned to file a grievance through the NFL Players Association after the Eagles placed his client on the Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday.
Patterson's agent plans to file grievance against Eagles
Jeff McLane
Mike Patterson's agent said that he planned to file a grievance through the NFL Players Association after the Eagles placed his client on the Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday.
"This is not how you treat people if you're a winning organization," Peter Schaffer said to The Inquirer.
Patterson will lose about $150,000 or 50 percent of his remaining salary, according to Schaffer.
Patterson contracted pneumonia last week and was hospitalized. He was home and resting as of Tuesday, according to team trainer Rick Burkholder.
Schaffer said that he spoke to Howie Roseman after he was informed of the move and told the Eagles general manager then that he planned to file a grievance because he believed the defensive tackle likely contracted the illness because of work.
"I think it's pretty clear that he got it at practice or at the NovaCare Complex," Schaffer said. "That's where he spends all his time. That's all he's doing is practicing and working out."
The Eagles released a statement Wednesday evening.
"Our number one priority is to get Mike Patterson well enough to get back on the football field," the Eagles said. "He has worked hard this year to get back and he has our full support as an organization."
Patterson's season is over. Players placed on Non-Football Illness lists must sit out for at least eight games. This is Patterson's second stint on the list this year. The Eagles placed him on it in late August as he recovered from January brain surgery to have an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) removed from his brain.
The Eagles reduced Patterson's pay 50 percent, as is their right, until he returned for the Nov. 5 game at New Orleans. He lost about $1 million, but was paid in full for the five games he played this season. Patterson finished the year with nine tackles and one sack.
Patterson, 29, is the Eagles' longest-tenured player. He was selected in the first round of the 2005 draft. The team is not expected to bring the eight-year veteran back next season. He has four years left on his contract.
"I told Howie this morning that if he could prove to be that Mike didn't get pneumonia at practice I wouldn't file a grievance," Schaffer said. "He said he couldn't."
Schaffer has had a long-standing relationship with the Eagles. He would have lunch with Roseman and former Eagles president Joe Banner every year at the Indianapolis scouting combine.
"I love Howie, but this is wrong and petty," Schaffer said. "To do this to one of your leaders and to a guy that fought back from brain surgery is just wrong."
The Eagles signed fullback/tight end Emil Igwenagu off the practice squad and to their 53-man roster to take Patterson's place. They also signed defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron to the practice squad.
Class move, Howie.— Boru- very petty for this organization. Saving 150k for a player that has been loyal and gone through what Patterson hadsgone through is rediculous.— flyersfev
- Don't weasels run in packs? It doesn't show any class to kick someone when they are down.— BigLadd
- It's not a move to save $150K; it's a move to open a roster spot. Use your brains, people. That being said, I like Patt and would like to see him with the team. I don't know who this elusive person who does not "expect" him to return is.— operagost
- Lurie blows.— Larry Byrd
- Someone in the organization is letting Rosebud slowly hang himself. First, the whiny little retraction that "I had nothing to do with Jim Washburn being here, waaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!" Now a low class hatchet job to a player that virtually the entire team saw at death's door during training camp. Is this the embarrassment that reopens the door to Reid returning?
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— Quixote II - @QII: Before this year I would point the finger at Joe Banner, but he's gone. This kind of petty, vindictive, heartless and cold atmosphere can not come without the blessing from high above, Lurie. Behind EVERY questionable and team morale breaking move this bunch has made is the captain at the helm. Or has he abdicated the moral direction his team operates under, too? Mike Patterson has been a worthy Eagle, unlike, say, our defensive backfield, and to dock him his salary over an illness is inexcusable. Respectfully disagree with your take.....Roseman is doing exactly as he was ordered to do.....
I do like your Andy back at the helm scenario next year......with a 3 to 5 year extension and full football personnel control, to boot. That would be the Lurie way. - Hey 'DRR':
I would only say that Lurie is old money, 2nd generation publishing business money. Being petty and mean spirited to the employees is inexcusable. I do not see Lurie originating this, nor giving it his approval. And I 100% do NOT see Mormon Reid (look at Vick) doing it either. And so that leaves ...
And if Rosebud DID insist on Washburn, and did run the last 3 drafts, then ...
Stay tuned.
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- Patterson won't be back. And he shouldn't. Go where you are wanted and treated right through sickness and health Mike. You've been a great leader and a solid player for us. Just another situation that is not needed and unwarranted considering everything he's done and been through professionally and personally.— SeenGreen
- Just curious, what was Patterson's signing bonus when he re-upped? I'm sure it was a decent amount of money.— march951
- let chistina take over the team ....... jeffrey needs to go away ... blackouts next year ... washington game will look like phillies vs nationals in DC .............ALL SKINS FANS .... LOVE IT— tk
- The Eagles don't owe Patterson nothing. They are in business to win games not to worry about hurting someones feelings. They make business decisions to makes the team better. Patterson has made a good living playing football the kind of living most people dream about. Get it done on the field or get replaced that's the way it is....Nothing personal just business!— jmb53
- classy— high alpine
- classy— high alpine
- classy— high alpine
