NFLPA launches investigation of Buccaneers' MRSA infections

The players' union could possibly file for financial damages if evidence of negligence is found on the part of the team.

By Jeff Gray@Jeff_GraySBN Sep 8, 2013, 12:30pm EDT

The MRSA outbreak that struck the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training facility a month ago is under official investigation by the NFL Players Association, which could result in the union filing for financial damages if negligence on the part of the team is proven.

The union is investigating whether the team communicated the outbreak of MRSA -- a pencillen-resistant bacteria that is potentially deadly if left untreated -- to its players in a timely fashion. If so, the union could file for an "Article 50" violation under the collective bargaining agreement.

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News of the bacteria's presence first broke in late August. Infections in two Buccaneers players, kicker Lawrence Tynes and guard Carl Nicks, were confirmed.

The team is currently trying to cut Tynes, who was hospitalized with the infection, and have offered him a financial settlement and placed him on the non-football injury list. The league is fighting the move because Tynes would not recieve his full salary and benifits or an additional year toward his pension.

Nicks, a Pro Bowler, will miss Sunday's game against the New York Jets as he continues to recover.