Dude, Gil you can't do that **** man.
You are on thinner than thin ice right now. If you think Nick needs more playing time, tell Flip that. Lobby for him, talk him up, whatever but don't lie to your coach about it...and then admit to it!?
I mean, I don't want to defend him lying, but no one can prove/disprove soreness so why didn't you just keep it at that?