Cowboys' La'el Collins Files Lawsuit Against NFL Over 5-Game Suspension

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
According to Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk, La'el Collins, Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle, has filed a Texas lawsuit against the NFL in an attempt to end his five-game suspension.

According to reports, the lawsuit seeks a "temporary injunction", a temporary restraining order, and a permanent injunction that prevents ongoing enforcement of suspension.

Collins was suspended for five games after violating the league’s policy on substance abuse. However, Todd Archer from ESPN reported that he didn't fail a drug screen. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Collins tried to bribe the collector of drug tests after failing multiple tests.

The arbitrator denied the appeal and upheld suspension for five games.

In September, Collins representatives issued a statement claiming that the league had intentionally misled the public during the process.

Florio claims that the NFL falsely claimed Collins had been subject to a four-game suspension due to substance abuse. The arbitrator based that fact on the suit to decide.

According to the lawsuit, it was determined that missed tests are not grounds for suspension but only fines.

In its Wednesday response, the NFL called the suit "meritless".

Collins has served three games already under suspension, but Collins is hopeful to be back on the field in time to serve two more weeks.

After starting 47 of 48 regular-season games in the past three years, the 28-year old has played just one game this season.