Report: Packers' Pennel sues NFL, NFLPA in federal court

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Mike Pennel has sued the NFL, NFLPA, and NFLMC in federal court, The MMQB's Albert Breer reports.

Pennel, who was suspended for the first four games of the season due to a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, said that he received a letter from the NFL on Nov. 8 informing him of another violation.

The lineman challenged the discipline three days later and his appeal is slated to take place on Dec. 6.

Pennel's point of contention is that arbitrator James Carter held a conflict of interest, according to Breer. The 25-year-old is asking for a federal judge to install a third arbitrator, arguing that any substance abuse policy hearing needs three-to-five arbitrators on hand. However, the NFL emailed Pennel's attorneys, stating that only two arbitrators were available for the case, according to Eric Heisig of Cleveland.com.