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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:17 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2009

NFLPA presents case backing WR Burress, RB Johnson

By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer

The NFL Players Association has presented its case contesting whether teams can withhold guaranteed salaries and bonus money from embattled players Plaxico Burress and Larry Johnson.

Union lawyer Richard Berthelsen said Thursday that the NFLPA made its arguments during a 3› hour hearing before Stephen Burbank at the University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, as did NFL attorneys. Burbank's ruling is expected within a week, Berthelsen said.

The union filed grievances on behalf of both players. The Giants withheld a $1 million bonus due Burress after the receiver shot himself in the thigh in November. The Chiefs said Johnson breached his contract — and is not owed $3.75 million in guaranteed money — after the running back was suspended by the NFL last season.