An arbitrator ruled in favor of the NFL in a grievance over the NFL Players Association's annual report cards, blocking their public release but allowing internal sharing with players. The decision, detailed in a 26-page ruling, stems from concerns over criticism of teams under the collective bargaining agreement. The NFLPA reaffirmed its commitment to the program, stating it will inform players of the results soon without public disclosure.
The NFL scored a partial victory in its long-standing dispute with the NFL Players Association over the union's annual team report cards, which grade facilities, operations, and player treatment. Arbitrator Scott E. Buchheit's 26-page ruling, issued recently, sustained the league's grievance under Article 51 of the collective bargaining agreement. This provision requires the NFLPA to use reasonable efforts to curtail public comments by players that criticize clubs, coaches, or operations, or cast discredit upon them.
However, the arbitrator rejected the NFL's argument under Article 39, which mandates a confidential joint survey every three years on medical care. Buchheit noted that the two surveys could coexist with modifications, and criticized the NFL for not conducting a joint survey since 2015 despite NFLPA requests. "I reject any assertion by the NFLMC... that the two surveys could never co-exist," he wrote.
The NFL sent a memo to teams celebrating the block on publicizing the 2026 report cards, but the NFLPA quickly responded. In an email to all players, obtained by ESPN, the union stated: "The only thing changing is their ability to publicly share the results." The NFLPA plans to release the grades to members soon and post them on a private, members-only website, ensuring confidentiality.
The report cards, started in 2022, aim to hold teams accountable. Past public versions highlighted issues like poor facilities or medical care. While the NFL views them as biased, Buchheit found many questions neutral, allowing high or low grades. The ruling emphasizes that internal dissemination remains permissible, though the NFLPA must instruct members not to publicize criticisms.
This outcome preserves the NFLPA's tool for player feedback but limits its public pressure on owners. As the offseason progresses, the 2026 results could still influence negotiations and team improvements behind closed doors.
