Part 7/11:
In their official statement, the union emphasizes their stance: while supporting measures to uphold the integrity of the game, they also oppose suspensions or unpaid statuses that infringe upon the presumption of innocence. They argue that the league's actions are inconsistent with the contractual protections outlined in the CBA, which permits administrative leave but not necessarily withholding pay unless specified.
Furthermore, the union notes that the decision to suspend someone without pay, particularly without due process or a court ruling, contradicts the agreed-upon terms. They plan to challenge the league's decision through grievance procedures, asserting that the league might be violating contractual rights.