An intriguing legal battle has played out under the radar between the Denver Broncos and former linebacker Al Wilson.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Wilson is pursuing a grievance against the Broncos based on his belief that the team failed to give him appropriate medical advice and treatment after Wilson suffered a neck injury late in the 2006 season.  Wilson played again in 2006 after suffering the injury.

The dispute, which recently went to a formal hearing, arose under Article XLIV of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Specifically, Section 1 requires the team to advise the player in writing of any condition that “could be significantly aggravated” by continued performance. 

Wilson’s contention is that the Broncos failed to tell him in writing that he had a herniated disk in his neck.  As a result, Wilson claims that he didn’t even know about the condition until he flunked a physical in April 2007, when he was being evaluated by the Giants in connection with a possible trade.

The trade fell through, and Wilson eventually was released.  He had the injury repaired, and he is now pursuing a return to the NFL.  He has visited with the Lions and the Browns.

Wilson claims that if he’d known about the condition, he would have had surgery in late 2006, and would have been ready for the 2007 season.  Thus, he wants the base salary he would have earned from the Broncos if he had been able to play.

Several million dollars hang in the balance on this one.  Stay tuned.