Agent for Arrington Is Probed

An NFL Players Association committee has filed a complaint against the agent for Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington that could result in a fine, suspension or possibly the decertification of Carl Poston for his handling of Arrington's latest contract. Paul Aloe, Poston's lawyer, refutes the claims, and league sources said Arrington did not initiate the complaint in any way.

It was filed by the NFLPA's Committee on Agent Regulation and Discipline, a group made up of eight former and current players, and stems from the handling of the $68 million contract extension Arrington negotiated in December 2003. Shortly after signing that deal, Arrington filed a grievance claiming the Redskins excluded a bonus worth $6.5 million from the final contract, which he and Poston did not detect, after not having sufficient time to review the details before signing. The Redskins disputed that contention and after a series of delays and postponed hearings, the sides reached an agreement before the start of this season in which Arrington gained the right to opt out of the contract early should he make the Pro Bowl in two of the next three seasons, but received no immediate financial compensation.

According to the complaint filed by CARD, Poston's "failure to properly review the contract before signing it" led to the decision to file the motion. Carl Francis, a spokesman for the NFLPA, would not speak to particular complaints, but said in all such cases an agent has 30 days to prepare a response and go before the board.

Aloe said, "Carl has done nothing wrong and has violated no Players Association rules and was at all times looking out for LaVar's best interest." Arrington is not expected to comment on the matter, according to sources close to the player.

The CARD group monitors the actions of agents regularly, and it is not uncommon for complaints to be filed, according to NFLPA sources. Punishment can range from a nominal fine to decertification. Aloe has until Feb. 6 to respond to the complaint, then CARD will review it and decide on any penalty. Aloe could then appeal any disciplinary action and opt for arbitration, but the NFLPA would select the person to hear the case, according to the procedure in place.

Dungy Will Coach Colts

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Tony Dungy will return to coach the Indianapolis Colts next season. The Colts made the announcement a week after Dungy said he planned to take a break from football to decide his future. Dungy said after the team's 21-18 playoff loss to the Steelers on Jan. 15 that he planned to spend time with his family before making a decision.

"I was always coming back unless I said I wasn't," he said.

Dungy had said that he planned to return but left open the possibility of retirement because of the death last month of his 18-year-old son, James.

Staff writer Jason La Canfora contributed to this report.