Kessler Discusses NFLPA Appeal on Bounty Ruling

Winston & Strawn partner Jeffrey Kessler was quoted in the Law360 article “Saints Union Gets Bounty Program Suspensions Thrown Out,” published September 7, 2012.

Four New Orleans Saints players can rejoin their teams after an arbitration appeals panel vacated the suspensions given by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for allegedly participating in a program which purportedly rewarded players for knocking out their opponents.

The decision overturned arbitrator Stephen Burbank’s ruling that Goodell had the authority to punish the players. Mr. Kessler, who represents the NFL Players Association, said Burbank’s ruling was flawed and that Goodell overstepped his authority, as the NFLPA’s collective bargaining agreement gave the power to impose such discipline solely to the System Arbitrator.

“The NFLPA and the players are very gratified by the panel’s ruling, which enables the players to return immediately to their teams,” Mr. Kessler said.