NFLPA and NFLAA not getting along

[Patler]

Apparently, a rather contentious meeting between the retired players and the NFLPA.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2011/03/26/2011-03-26_former_giants_de_george_martin_head_of_nfl_alumni_group_calls_meeting_with_nflpa.html

[Scott Campbell]

Apparently, a rather contentious meeting between the retired players and the NFLPA.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/fo...ith_nflpa.html

It's hard to know what's what with the built in conflict of interest.

[Patler]

Ya, especially with the NFLPA seemingly having an overall attitude of distrust the last few years.

[swede]

I've mused this before, but how exactly do professional football players work up the mindset of being oppressed and exploited?

Certainly the constant exposure to pain and injury and the physical issues that compromise long-term health may stoke feelings of being treated as an expendable commodity, but no amount of money can make the health issues go away. I have a feeling that the players are looking for something other than simple monetary gain. It seems as if they have made this personal when it should be about business. I don't know that they are going to ever find what they are looking for.

Even their retired brethren don't get them anymore.

[Scott Campbell]

I've mused this before, but how exactly do professional football players work up the mindset of being oppressed and exploited?

With a lot of help from this guy:

[gbgary]

I've mused this before, but how exactly do professional football players work up the mindset of being oppressed and exploited?

Certainly the constant exposure to pain and injury and the physical issues that compromise long-term health may stoke feelings of being treated as an expendable commodity, but no amount of money can make the health issues go away. I have a feeling that the players are looking for something other than simple monetary gain. It seems as if they have made this personal when it should be about business. I don't know that they are going to ever find what they are looking for.

Even their retired brethren don't get them anymore.

yup...they're the one's who chose to play a game for millions of dollars. they could have chosen the fast-food or landscaping industries.

[MJZiggy]

"This is first time in my life I ever witnessed two organizations that are separated because of irreconcilable similarities," Martin said.

I think I need this for my sig.

[packerbacker1234]

Honestly when you break down the entire mess of what the new CBA should be and who is in the right and the wrong, the Players continually make themselves out to be petty. Look, I understand wanting the books opened, and the owners refusing to do it - I understand that core issue, but at some point if the owners just WONT budge, you just have to accept that fact. You make MILLIONS of dollars playing this game. You're an employee, one of which thousands are waiting to take your place. Get over your issues and get a deal DONE.

Disagreeing and, apparently, being extremely judgemental of the retired players does not look well for your organization as it continues to fight with owners for a better deal. Sure, they may be "funded" by the NFL, but guess what players YOUR MONEY COMES FROM THE NFL TOO, MAYBE WE SHOULD QUESTION YOUR MOTIVES AS WELL.

If it deals with the NFL, like it or not it's funded by the NFL because your PART of it. I am sick of the players continuing to think they are "owed" something. They have some of the best lifetime medical coverage in the world. They make a hell of a lot of money for working very few years, and htis is because of the shortened life expectancy. They have very nice retirement packages.

I am not saying they shouldn't get more in a new deal just becuase revenue is so high, but I also don't think they have a leg to stand on in trying to make demands as an employee that is already paid more than the the people who are watching. Bottom line is that Both sides have to give some, but the last offer made public was a significant BOOST over the last deal to the players, and sometiems you have to take it one step at a time. The owners are not giving up those finances. They wouldn't in the past and they wont now. You can hold out if you want, but when push comes to shove is Peyton Manning going to eat a year off of missing 20 million + dollars? They are paid a lot to play, and if they want to get paid they HAVE to play, so in the end I think the players are just being bitter and will end up giving in anyways. Afterall, the owners can afford a season off - some players can't.

[KYPack]

I am sick of the players continuing to think they are "owed" something. They have some of the best lifetime medical coverage in the world.

Who in the hell told you this shit?

Ex-NFL players have the one of the worst health packages that you can get. A friend of mine is an ex-NFL player. He can barely walk. His retirement from his police department paid for his medical coverage and subsequent operation or he'd be in a wheelchair.

Don't bullshit about this unless you know what in the hell you are talkin about.

Not to flame, but Christ man.

[ThunderDan]

I am sick of the players continuing to think they are "owed" something. They have some of the best lifetime medical coverage in the world.

Who in the hell told you this shit?

Ex-NFL players have the one of the worst health packages that you can get. A friend of mine is an ex-NFL player. He can barely walk. His retirement from his police department paid for his medical coverage and subsequent operation or he'd be in a wheelchair.

Don't bullshit about this unless you know what in the hell you are talkin about.

Not to flame, but Christ man.

Rich Gannon on NFLradio said ex-players get 5 years (or some close amount, 3 or 7) of paid medical insurance. After that the players are given the option to continue coverage using the COBRA provision and paying all premiums out of pocket.

[ThunderDan]

I am sick of the players continuing to think they are "owed" something. They have some of the best lifetime medical coverage in the world.

Who in the hell told you this shit?

Ex-NFL players have the one of the worst health packages that you can get. A friend of mine is an ex-NFL player. He can barely walk. His retirement from his police department paid for his medical coverage and subsequent operation or he'd be in a wheelchair.

Don't bullshit about this unless you know what in the hell you are talkin about.

Not to flame, but Christ man.

He should really talk to Mike Webster.

[ThunderDan]

He should really talk to Mike Webster.

Too bad he's dead!

[MJZiggy]

Rich Gannon on NFLradio said ex-players get 5 years (or some close amount, 3 or 7) of paid medical insurance. After that the players are given the option to continue coverage using the COBRA provision and paying all premiums out of pocket.

Five or even seven years of coverage after an NFL career is nothing. A lot of the problems that they have with early onset dementia and other problems don't show up for several years and can last a lifetime? Think about it. NFL players are uninsurable. Any problem they come up with is a preexisting condition. These guys are voluntarily put in harm's way--not to the extent of the military, but if you're injured in the military, you have free VA coverage. Take a look at some of the old timer football players who can hardly move any more but can't afford medical care because the NFL ditched them and left them to fend for themselves. That's not right and the NFLPA needs to give their predecessors the respect they deserve.

[ThunderDan]

Five or even seven years of coverage after an NFL career is nothing. A lot of the problems that they have with early onset dementia and other problems don't show up for several years and can last a lifetime? Think about it. NFL players are uninsurable. Any problem they come up with is a preexisting condition. These guys are voluntarily put in harm's way--not to the extent of the military, but if you're injured in the military, you have free VA coverage. Take a look at some of the old timer football players who can hardly move any more but can't afford medical care because the NFL ditched them and left them to fend for themselves. That's not right and the NFLPA needs to give their predecessors the respect they deserve.

I 100% agree with you. I have had many friends play in the NFL. I have told about my friendship with Elroy Hirsh several times in this site. He could recount every play of every game he ever played. He couldn't remember anything that had happened in the last week.

[swede]

I 100% agree with you. I have had many friends play in the NFL. I have told about my friendship with Elroy Hirsh several times in this site. He could recount every play of every game he ever played. He couldn't remember anything that had happened in the last week.

If that's true, it must have been tempting to borrow money from ol' Crazy Legs.