Pro Football
Union Is Challenged In Arrington Deal Dispute
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The attorney for LaVar Arrington 's agent filed a response to the NFL Players Association denying the union's claims that Arrington's representatives were negligent in dealing with the linebacker's 2003 contract extension with the Washington Redskins and asking that the union's top attorney be removed from the case.
Carl Poston , who could face a suspension or even be barred from practicing as a player agent, represents Arrington and a host of high-profile NFL stars, including perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law and linebacker Julian Peterson . He is being accused by the players' union of failing to ensure that a $6.5 million bonus clause was part of the eight-year, $68 million contract extension Arrington signed with the Redskins in December 2003. It is one of five complaints the union had leveled at Poston, the other four being Poston's alleged failure to cooperate with the union's ensuing investigation, his failure to report a violation of the contract, concealing contract information from the player and fraud.
"Carl expects to prevail and be vindicated," said Poston's lawyer, Paul Aloe . Aloe said in his response to the union that he requested the complaint be dismissed and that Richard Berthelsen , the attorney for the NFLPA, withdraw from the case for various conflicts of interest. The response also argues that the NFLPA has prosecuted the case inappropriately, and requests an in-person hearing.
An eight-member committee that handles disciplinary actions against agents will hear the case against Poston on Feb. 22 and a ruling against Poston could be rendered within the month.
The bonus money had been a point of contention between Arrington and the Redskins. Berthelsen could not be reached for comment yesterday.
-- Howard Bryant
