The NFL labor agreement thread

Great point Jesse! Plus they're not even being asked to play more, the NFL just wants to convert 2 preseason games to regular season games. It is still a 20 game format. It's not like they're asking them to play 160 games like MLB.

And by making De Smith Director tells me the PA never had any intention of getting a fair deal worked out. They were taking this thing to court from the get go.

 

I think most agree that when they hired a hotshot litigator as their union representative, it was because they were committed to taking this to the courts. Doesn't look like it's working out for them though but sadly, the season appears destined to be shortened if not cancelled this year

 

De Smith spoke at U of MD today and aside from being bizarre, it was somewhat telling. He said the players made the decision to fight this two years ago.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6566569&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

 

Ok... Lets get the facts straight here.

The highest tax bracket as of right now is 35% federal if you make more than $373,000 a year. On top of that most states have state income tax. I'll use California's due to the fact that its the highest of any state that the NFL has a team in. California has a 10.5% for incomes greater than $1,000,000. So to keep it simple if you make a million after the IRS takes its slice and social security and all of the other governmental departments siphon money from your income you would be left with around $550,000.

Even after deducting an agents 3% fee you still have $520,000 to make it rain.

I've heard some of the players complain about the fact that NFL contracts aren't guaranteed like in other sports, and in the event of an injury they get screwed but the fact of the matter is these guys regularly insure themselves for millions in the event of a career ending injury. Also something to keep in mind is if they pay for the policy out of their own pocket the money they receive will be tax free.

http://www.portfolio.com/industry-news/sports/2010/05/17/top-pick-in-nfl-draft-sam-bradford-carried-big-insurance-policy/

So essentially if Tyrone Calico had paid out $100,000 on a disability policy he would have received $10,000,000 TAX FREE.

Simply put I have no sympathy for anyone who makes that much money and can't keep themselves financially stable.

 

I ran into Kevin Mawae tonight and talked with him about the lockout. He still seems (cautiously) optimistic. He says it's still going to take some time to reach an agreement, but doesn't see any games being lost.

 

i just don't see any way they start the season before october... hope i"m wrong.

 

So what happens after the judges rules on June 3rd? the owners are going to win, but what comes next? a player appeal?

 

IMO it depends on whether the players keep taking their cues from D Smith. If they do, I see additional appeals and legal challenges, and I see this extending well into the regular season.

Hopefully at some point (soon I really hope) the players will realize that their representative is a glorified T&M attorney, and will take the reigns on negotiations themselves (or dump him for someone who is not a litigator first).

 

;-((

Unions wreaked America!!! Now after Union and the Pres: stole a car company (GM) they want to dismantle the NFL. I think they want this Anti trust BS! That will screw up the NFL.
Vote Ron Paul 2012... Don't Fear Freedom!!! ;-))

 

hey doesnt the Judge rule on Friday?i thought it was June 3rd.