Lane Johnson

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)

Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson took his legal battle against the NFL and its players union to federal court Friday, filing a federal complaint and petition to vacate the damages from his 10-game suspension, according to court documents obtained by PennLive.

Monday Morning Quarterback's Albert Breer was the first to report on the complaint.

Stephen Zashin, a Cleveland-based attorney representing Johnson, confirmed the complaint to PennLive. Through a statement, Zashin claimed NFL arbitration regarding his client's suspension was "a sham proceeding."

The NFL suspended Johnson for 10 games this season after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in his career. Johnson said he took a supplement he thought was approved, and he criticized the NFLPA for failing to protect him from a career-threatening mishap.

Johnson filed unfair labor charges against the NFL and NFLPA in November, and this complaint marks the next step in his legal battle.

Zashin wrote that the NFL and NFLPA's failure to adhere to a collectively bargained policy should negate Johnson's penalties.

"Although the 2015 Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances ("2015 Policy") required a minimum of three arbitrators -- there were only two," Zashin wrote. "In addition, the 2015 Policy required that any arbitrator assigned to hear appeals was not otherwise affiliated with the NFL and NFLPA. That requirement was not followed.

"The 2015 Policy entitles a player to information upon which he can contest discipline. Lane was denied even the most basic information, including information about his treatment under the 2015 Policy."

The Eagles struggled during Johnson's 10-game absence this season, and the 2013 first-round pick took responsibility for his role in his suspension last month. He said he felt like he let the team down.

Though Johnson can't undo the on-field impact of his suspension by taking the NFL and the NFLPA to court, he can recoup lost compensation. He also could provide himself protection by winning his court case -- NFL players face a two-year suspension for a third positive PED test, but Johnson's complaint asks the court to wipe out his second one.

In other words, he could be back on strike one instead of strike two if he wins in court.

Zashin filed the complaint and petition to the United States District Court in the Northern District of Ohio.

"This case is harsh example of an employer and union who have chosen to withhold and manipulate the terms and conditions of employment in violation of the law," Zashin wrote.

You can read the full complaint below.

Lane Johnson v. NFL NFLPA by PennLive on Scribd