Waived by Colts, Trent Richardson files grievance to recoup salary

Stephen Holder | USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS — Running back Trent Richardson was waived by the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, but the fight over his $3.184 million 2015 salary continues.

Richardson, according to an NFL source, has filed a grievance over the team's refusal to pay the balance of his rookie contract after he was waived. The news was first reported by Profootballtalk.com.

The team holds the position that the two-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team levied against Richardson in January voided the guaranteed portion of his contract, as spelled out in the forfeiture language included in his deal.

But Richardson is challenging the decision, perhaps based on the notion that his actions did not rise to the level of conduct detrimental. Richardson missed a team practice and flight to New England the day prior to January's AFC Championship Game, he says, because he rushed his girlfriend to the hospital with pregnancy complications.

The team has not disputed this but told Richardson the suspension was levied because he did not contact team officials in a timely manner to inform them of his whereabouts.

Grievances can be a lengthy process and they are handled privately between the NFL Players Association and the league office, with outcomes decided by a neutral arbitrator.

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Holder writes for The Indianapolis Star