Update:
Dan Graziano reports that free agent OLB Mike Neal will consent to be interviewed by the NFL after changing his mind.
———–
Jason Cole of B/R, citing an NFLPA source, reports that the union remains hopeful that free agent OLB Mike Neal will eventually sue the NFL over their Al-Jezeera investigation.
According to Cole, the NFLPA would support Neal in taking legal action against the NFL. The reason why Neal, and not the other players named such as James Harrison, Clay Matthews, and Julius Peppers, could use the NFL is because he is not expecting to play in the NFL again.
Cole’s source said Harrison, Mathews and Peppers want to testify because they claim they had no relationship at all with the organization involved in the Al-Jezeera report.
On Thursday, the other three players agreed to be interviewed by the NFL, but Neal was the only one who had yet to do so.
The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell are clearly flexing their muscle in disciplinary matters, but it appears as though the players felt it was best to go through with the interviews, rather than risk a suspension from the NFL.
The Al-Jazeera documentary also named Peyton Manning, but he has already met with the NFL and been cleared of any wrong doing. The NFL actually released a statement about Manning’s cooperation, which looked like a clear attempt by the league to convince the other players to agree to interviews.
The allegations stem from comments made by former anti-aging clinic intern Charlie Sly, who was taped in the Al-Jazeera documentary. It’s worth mentioning that Sly has since recanted his quotes.
Neal, 29, is a former second-round pick of the Packers back in 2010. He played out his rookie contract with the team before signing a two-year extension back in 2014.
Neal worked out for the Seahawks and Lions several months ago, but there hasn’t been a lot of buzz about opportunities for him since then.
Last year, Neal appeared in all 16 games for the Packers and recorded 36 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 95 edge defender out of 110 qualifying players.
We have him featured in our Best Available Free Agents list.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
