NFLPA Alleges Patriots Doctor Altered Player's Treatment to Force Retirement

A court document filed recently by the NFL Players Association states that former New England Patriots team doctor Thomas Gill intentionally failed to properly treat defensive end Jonathan Fanene in 2012, at the direction of the franchise, in an attempt to recover signing bonus money.

Sally Jenkins and Rick Maese of The Washington Post report Gill was allegedly told by head coach Bill Belichick to "play four corner offense" rather than move forward with surgery. The doctor also sent an email to owner Robert Kraft and president Jonathan Kraft about building a case to recover the money:

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A grievance letter sent by the players' union cites an e-mail from former team physician Thomas Gill that the NFLPA contends shows Gill telling Patriots owner Robert Kraft and President Jonathan Kraft that he was "trying to put together a case" that would compel former defensive end Jonathan Fanene to return $3.85 million after he suffered a knee injury in 2012. The letter further asserts that Patriots Coach Bill Belichick directed Gill to delay any surgery on Fanene's knee while an effort was made to persuade the player to retire, thus forgoing his bonus.

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The Patriots proceeded to release Fanene five months after signing him due to "failure to disclose a physical condition." The team attempted to make the claim that he wasn't forward with information about arthritis in his left knee, which the report states would have forced the bonus money to be returned.

When reached by The Washington Post, Fanene's agent, Angelo Wright, could only say an agreement was made between the sides that prevents the player from discussing the situation. He also cannot file a civil lawsuit against the team or doctor.

Gill confirmed to the outlet that emails were sent regarding the matter. He went on to say they are taken out of context, however. His message to the Krafts was only to tell them he would send along all of the information about Fanene's status since the signing.

Uncredited/Associated Press

"If it was an e-mail to Mr. Kraft, it was basically saying, 'I'm going to put together the chronology the training staff had asked me to put together,' " he said.

In regards to the Belichick exchange, Gill said the intent was unclear but believed to be waiting a day or two until the team made a final decision.

Gill denies any of the conversations with team personnel had an impact on his treatment of Fanene.

The report also notes Gill had previous encounters with both Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and former Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury about his treatment of injuries.

NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith told The Washington Post the entire issue is a major concern:

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It makes serious allegations about the integrity and independence of a team doctor providing medical care to a player. The allegations would suggest behavior that is completely inappropriate. I will look forward to seeing what the league intends to do as far as investigating this pursuant to their personal conduct policy.

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While the individual case is the focus, as Fanene never played in the NFL again, Smith raises the big-picture concern of the players he represents. They need to feel confident they are getting the best possible treatment without fear that a team is working behind the scenes to prevent that.

The report notes Gill stepped down from his post as Patriots team physician back in April. He states it had nothing to do with this case.

No member of the Patriots organization was made available to The Washington Post for comment.