The New England Patriots have suspended their punter Jake Bailey for two games. The player, who signed a lucrative contract in August, is now fighting back.

Trouble between Jake Bailey and the New England Patriots: The punter has been placed on the Reserve/Suspended list by the team and suspended for two games.

What hurts most about this, besides the lost game checks, is that Bailey’s guaranteed money from the $13.5 million contract extension he signed in August could be in jeopardy due to the suspension.

Jake Bailey: On IR list because of back injury

From November 19, Bailey was on the Injured Reserve List due to a back injury. Preparations were made for his return on December 21, and the 2020 First-Team All-Pro participated in parts of practice.

But according to “ESPN”, there were apparently differing opinions on whether Bailey was ready to return to game action. The Patriots did not reveal the reason for the suspension.

Fact is, the player’s side unsurprisingly disagrees with the suspension.

Appeal filed with the New England Patriots

“While Jake Bailey was on the IR list, he did not miss a single treatment, session or practice,” Bailey’s agent Doug Hendrickson said in a statement Saturday. “He had hoped to return from IR and play last weekend, but Jake was informed that he was suspended for the last two games. This is a surprise as he was a full participant during the injury lay-off. We have lodged an appeal to challenge this unknown suspension.”

Bailey is a fifth-round pick. The Patriots secured the punter’s services in the 2019 draft.