Dante Fowler Jr. and the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t exactly have an amicable breakup when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams last season. The Jaguars were clearly not happy with his on- or off-field performance, and he wasn’t thrilled with his role as a backup in Jacksonville.
There’s another layer to the split, though. this week, the NFLPA won an arbitration grievance against the Jaguars for requiring players to get treatment at the team’s facility. One player was fined 25 times for more than $700,000 for missing mandatory treatments, which were not actually required.
Fowler confirmed on Twitter that he was the player fined 25 times, saying the team hated him.
They literally hated me . I got it all back though! Thanks to the NFLPA https://t.co/vUIg5tsKvr
— Dante fowler (@dantefowler) December 16, 2019
In the NFLPA’s statement, the association took a direct shot at the Jaguars and warned players about signing with Jacksonville.
NFLPA won an arbitration grievance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Said Jags tried requiring players to get all offseason medical treatment at team facility, which contravenes the CBA. “You as players may want to consider this when you have a chance to select your next club.” pic.twitter.com/S1eyqqw8cg
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) December 16, 2019
Fowler was drafted third overall by the Jaguars in 2015. He was never a full-time starter with them, making just one start in three-plus seasons; he missed his rookie year due to injury.
He has since become a key player for the Rams, starting 18 of a possible 22 games since coming to L.A.