NFL Notes: NFLPA, Cam Newton & Patriots

NFLPA

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that there’s actually a way players can strike without striking.

Florio mentions that players have no obligation to report for the voluntary portions of the offseason training program outside of a three-day, mandatory minicamp.

By skipping offseason workouts, there would be no forfeiture of pay outside of players who have workout bonuses as part of their contracts.

Florio admits that it would still be tough to get all players on board with this, considering that there are so many players competing for jobs. Although, Florio says that the quarterbacks are really key in this protest, as it would be impossible to have meaningful practices without quarterbacks.

Cam Newton

• The NFLPA announced Sunday that they’ve decided to open an investigation into the handling of Cam Newton during Thursday night’s season opener.
• Jason La Canfora adds that the investigation will be conducted jointly with the NFL. However, if the two parties cannot agree that the protocol was breached, a third party would rule on the matter.
• Newton’s agent, Bus Cook tells La Canfora: “It bothered me (watching Thurs). I’ve been through this before with Brett (Favre) in the ‘Bountygate’ game. I’m glad PA is stepping up and this can help the situation. If safety is the top priority then you have to do something.”
• Albert Breer reports that the NFLPA’s issue with the NFL was the league’s statement released on Friday that preempted the new collective protocol for handling these cases.

Patriots

• Ben Volin reports that the Patriots gave injury settlements to LB Kevin Snyder ($137,118, seven weeks pay) and DT Frank Kearse ($201,412, eight weeks pay).