Bengals' Cedric Benson appeals three-game suspension

Unhappy with his union, the Cincinnati Bengals' Cedric Benson pleaded his case Tuesday before the NFL in an attempt to reduce a potential three-game suspension for an arrest while he was unemployed.

During the owners' lockout of players, the runningback was arrested outside a bar in July in Austin, Texas and charged with assault. At the time, no Collective Bargaining Agreement existed between the NFL and the NFLPA.

Upon signing a new CBA on Aug. 5 that ended the labor stalement, the players' association agreed in a side letter with the league to allow Commissioner Roger Goodell discipline eight repeat-offender players.

The league agreed to exempt 25 players, who were not considered repeat offenders, from punishment. The union's position is that no player should be disciplined for any legal incidents during the lockout.

"You would think (the NFLPA is) here to support you and have your back — that's what a union does," Benson told the Associated Press after Sunday's loss to San Francisco "I guess in my case, it's different."

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Benson has filed an unfair labor practice grievance against the players' association with the National Labor Relations Board. The NFLPA appeared with Benson on his behalf before the commissioner's representatives in New York. The league rendered no decision. Goodell's decision is binding.

The issue is intriguing because "there is not much precedent to guide either side," said Gabe Feldman, associate professor and director of sports law at Tulane.

" It certainly raises some questions about whether the league should be able to say you cannot be paid while we lock you out — but you can be punished."