Jake Bailey files grievance against Patriots for “unknown suspension”
The Patriots will be fighting for a ticket to the playoffs on Sunday but could soon be facing a pitched battle against one of their own players.
New England levied a pair of surprising suspensions on Friday against rookie cornerback Jack Jones and punter Jake Bailey on Friday. The two players had spent several weeks on the team’s injured reserve list.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bailey’s agent, Doug Hendrickson has made it clear his client will fight the suspension. According to Hendrickson, Bailey did all he could to return to the field this season and the suspension is unwarranted.
From agent @DHendrickson41, on behalf of #Patriots P Jake Bailey: pic.twitter.com/ISOtA0nCtk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2023
“While Jake Bailey was on IR he never missed a single treatment, meeting or practice. He was hoping to come off IR to play last weekend but Jake was informed he was being suspended the last two games. This comes as a surprise given his full participation during injury reserve. We have filed a grievance to fight this unknown suspension,” said Hendrickson in the statement.
Bailey, in his fourth year in New England, was placed on injured reserve with a back injury on November 19. Although he was named an All-Pro in 2020, Bailey struggled in 2022.
Both Bailey and Jones will not receive their final game checks of the regular season and the suspension could cause Bailey’s 2023 contract to no longer be fully guaranteed, according to Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan.
Yes, I expect Jake Bailey to file a grievance. He could lose two weeks' salary ($111,111.11) and have his 2023 salary of $2.115M no longer be fully guaranteed. It is, for this reason, I have not changed my Patriots salary cap space number. I am waiting to see what happens. https://t.co/9987xqJFG1
— Miguel Benzan Patriots Cap Space Equals 1,625,580 (@patscap) January 7, 2023
Jones was placed on IR on after injuring his knee during the Patriots’ 27-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals on December 12. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the cornerback’s suspension is due to several missed rehabilitation appointments.
“Jack is focused on recovering and getting back to help the Patriots as soon as possible. Regarding the suspension, it appears to be based on miscommunication regarding Jack’s rehab process. I’m hopeful we’ll reach an amicable resolution for both Jack and the Patriots,” said Jones’ agent Jamal Tooson on Friday.
Jones, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has emerged as one of the Patriots’ bright young stars in their defensive backfield. Jones has tallied two interceptions and 25 solo tackles in 13 games this year.
Jones, drafted out of Arizona State, began his college career at USC before he was dismissed from the team due to academic issues in 2017. The next year, Jones was arrested and charged with breaking into a Panda Express at 3 a.m. In 2020, Jones was suspended for fighting during an ASU practice.
The Patriots will conclude their regular season when they travel to face the Bills on Sunday. A win and New England will capture the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot. If New England loses, they will need three other games to go their way.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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