The Sports Xchange

Former NFL wide receiver Richard Goodman is suing the NFL Players Association, accusing the union of negligence for failing to ensure his former agent was certified.

The NFLPA regulates those who represent players in their individual contract negotiations.

Goodman, who played with the San Diego Chargers from 2010 to 2012, is seeking damages in excess of $15,000 in a civil suit that was filed Tuesday night in Broward (Fla.) County Court.

The 30-page lawsuit, a copy of which was obtained by FOX Sports, accuses the NFLPA of “negligence, gross negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.” The complaint stems from about $61,000 that Goodman was forced to pay when a $25,000 loan in 2010 was taken out in his name by agent James Burnoski. Goodman claims Burnoski forged his signature to receive the loan and then defaulted.

Goodman, 27, claims he never would have continued to use Burnoski as his agent had it been known that his NFLPA certification and mandatory liability insurance had lapsed when he failed to pay for both.

Goodman signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Florida State in 2010. He appeared in 26 games, mostly on kickoff returns. He caught one pass for 25 yards and was released in the 2013 preseason.