Official: NFLPA To Decertify

[JO_75]

The NFL released a summary of it's final proposal... I'm trying to figure out why the Players Union didn't agree to this.

Source: [url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/11/nfls-summary-of-its-final-proposal-to-the-players/"]http://profootballta...to-the-players/[/url]

[quote]1. We more than split the economic difference between us, increasing our proposed cap for 2011 significantly and accepting the Union’s proposed cap number for 2014 ($161 million per club).

2. An entry level compensation system based on the Union’s “rookie cap” proposal, rather than the wage scale proposed by the clubs. Under the NFL proposal, players drafted in rounds 2-7 would be paid the same or more than they are paid today. Savings from the first round would be reallocated to veteran players and benefits.

3. A guarantee of up to $1 million of a player’s salary for the contract year after his injury – the first time that the clubs have offered a standard multi-year injury guarantee.

4. Immediate implementation of changes to promote player health and safety by

a. Reducing the off-season program by five weeks, reducing OTAs from 14 to 10, and limiting on-field practice time and contact;

b. Limiting full-contact practices in the preseason and regular season; and

c. Increasing number of days off for players.


5. Commit that any change to an 18-game season will be made only by agreement and that the 2011 and 2012 seasons will be played under the current 16-game format.

6. Owner funding of $82 million in 2011-12 to support additional benefits to former players, which would increase retirement benefits for more than 2000 former players by nearly 60 percent.

7. Offer current players the opportunity to remain in the player medical plan for life.

8. Third party arbitration for appeals in the drug and steroid programs.

9. Improvements in the Mackey plan, disability plan, and degree completion bonus program.

10. A per-club cash minimum spend of 90 percent of the salary cap over three seasons.[/quote]

[K-Dog]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1299892875' post='652318']
The NFL released a summary of it's final proposal... I'm trying to figure out why the Players Union didn't agree to this.


[/quote]

Yeah I sure would like to know what is missing from that too. Every thing I have herd / read from the players perspective seems to fit will into that proposal.


[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1299887157' post='652231']
If either side thinks they'll get sympathy from the fans, they're sorely disappointed.


[/quote]

true
true
true
true.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1299892875' post='652318']
The NFL released a summary of it's final proposal... I'm trying to figure out why the Players Union didn't agree to this.

Source: [url="http://profootballta...to-the-players/"]http://profootballta...to-the-players/[/url]
[/quote]
According to the Players Union, the NFL is lying publicly about the offer that was actually on the table.

Honestly, I think they're both lying and I think they're both just playing games at this point. And in playing those games, we won't be seeing any football games this Fall until they stop wearing diapers and start growing up.

[JO_75]

Just saw this... Players Anti-trust suit Challenges NFL Draft. So now maybe we'll have nothing at all!

Source: http://rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/201712/players-antitrust-suit-challenges-nfl-draft

[quote]The NFL players' lawsuit in a U.S. district court is seeking declaration that the NFL draft violates antitrust laws.

Von Miller is a plaintiff in the suit, and it's not crazy to think this could hurt his draft stock. The draft is just one of the many things the players' suit challenges, also including the franchise tag, the owners' forthcoming lockout, and probably restricted free agent tenders. All along, we've been under the assumption that the draft was the only thing set in stone for the 2011 offseason. Now, it's questionable whether it's going to happen. [/quote]

I just have one question, since when did players not even in the NFL yet have a say in this and I think Von Miller just hurt his stock by being a plaintiff in this suit. Von Miller you sir, are an idiot.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1299898281' post='652376']
Just saw this... Players Anti-trust suit Challenges NFL Draft. So now maybe we'll have nothing at all!

Source: http://rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/201712/players-antitrust-suit-challenges-nfl-draft



I just have one question, since when did players not even in the NFL yet have a say in this and I think Von Miller just hurt his stock by being a plaintiff in this suit. Von Miller you sir, are an idiot.
[/quote]
If they take the draft I will be beyond heated.

ps If what they are saying about the players union is true, Im allowed to hate Foxworth as much as I already hate Demaurice Smith correct?

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1299899631' post='652391']
If they take the draft I will be beyond heated.

ps If what they are saying about the players union is true, Im allowed to hate Foxworth as much as I already hate Demaurice Smith correct?
[/quote]

Not really. The union gave Smith pretty much all the bargaining power. Unions were a good thing once upon a time. Now they are just money grubbers and destroying everything.

I guess I really don't understand this whole dissolving the union thing. It seems like it puts the Owners in a better position. Individual players who have signed contracts will be in breach of those contracts if they refuse to play. Teams can negotiate with players on an individual basis for everything, as nothing is now guaranteed without a union. Am I missing something? Other than I get the lawsuit thing but really, they should not get anything from a court other than possibly saying the owners can't do the lockout.

[JO_75]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1299899631' post='652391']
If they take the draft I will be beyond heated.

ps If what they are saying about the players union is true, Im allowed to hate Foxworth as much as I already hate Demaurice Smith correct?
[/quote]

Oh I agree, right now the Draft is the only thing we have left, pending if Free Agency actually starts at 12:00.

I would really like to know why Von Miller is getting involved in this at all, I mean he is challenging the Rookie Scale, and guess what his stock just fell completely as soon as his name came out in it. The fact he is challenging that tells me he just wants money, and is trying to make sure he gets a bunch of guaranteed money.

[FerrariFan87]

It is painfully clear that the union wasn't really negotiating in good faith and did want litigation all along...

D-Smith says they're "business partners"... umm, not really. They're the owners, the players are the employees/property; that's their business relationship.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1299900522' post='652396']
Not really. The union gave Smith pretty much all the bargaining power. Unions were a good thing once upon a time. Now they are just money grubbers and destroying everything.

[b]I guess I really don't understand this whole dissolving the union thing.[/b] It seems like it puts the Owners in a better position. Individual players who have signed contracts will be in breach of those contracts if they refuse to play. Teams can negotiate with players on an individual basis for everything, as nothing is now guaranteed without a union. Am I missing something? Other than I get the lawsuit thing but really, they should not get anything from a court other than possibly saying the owners can't do the lockout.
[/quote]

If the NFLPA did not decertify, then the players could not file injunctions to prevent a lockout until six months after the CBA expired. That seems to be the main point the NFLPA is pushing.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1299897762' post='652373']
According to the Players Union, the NFL is lying publicly about the offer that was actually on the table.

[b]Honestly, I think they're both lying and I think they're both just playing games at this point. And in playing those games, we won't be seeing any football games this Fall until they stop wearing diapers and start growing up.[/b]
[/quote]

That is what I believe to be exactly right. Too much sniping and not enough genuine effort to get a new deal done.

[Clutch Ravens]

They do realise that the money they're fighting over won't actually be there to fight over if there's no season, don't they?

I mean, looking at what they've done so far it wouldn't surprise me if that fact has gone straight over their collective, empty, heads

[BloodRaven]

I find the whole thing quite funny, it's like watching a car crash in slow motion. A car crash full of stupid people.

[George70]

I have to agree with Franchise here, in that there is no good guy in this whole mess of a situation. It is my belief that, should this come to court, which some are hoping it will, it won't be pretty - nobody is going to walk away from this without something ugly attached to the soles of their shoes.

[JO_75]

Wasn't sure where to put this, we have this thread and the Lockout Clock thread but thought this was more of a appropriate place. If there is a season it will most likely be uncapped and probably with the same rules as last off-season including the Final 8 Rule.

[quote]The system would reportedly be similar to how the 2010 season was played, with [b]all players who were tendered as restricted free agents, and franchise and transition tagged continuing on their one-year contracts.[/b] Thus, all those RFA tenders that were assigned in late February would be upheld. The NFL would reportedly stay uncapped because the system in place "might have a better chance of withstanding an antitrust challenge by the players." The union already agreed to these rules once. The players expect a court ruling on the injunction of the lockout "within three to four weeks."[/quote]

Source: http://rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/201777/report-2011-nfl-season-likely-to-be-uncapped

Sounds good to me, as long as their is Football I don't care if this season has a salary cap or no salary cap, Final 8 Rule, No Final 8 Rule. As long one Thursday Night in September we see the Packers host the Kickoff Game, I don't care what else happens.

Final 8 Teams:
Packers
Steelers
Bears
Jets
Ravens
Patriots
Seahawks
Falcons

This would mean no Aso for us if there is that Final 8 Rule.

[Aphex]

I really hope they can get a deal done, it would be a shame if there was no season.

[BloodRaven]

The NFL came back with an offer that compromised on what they wanted, and gave in to some of the unions demands. Meanwhile the NFLPA was putting the finishing touches to the decertificiation motion.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1300069831' post='653539']
The NFL came back with an offer that compromised on what they wanted, and gave in to some of the unions demands. Meanwhile the NFLPA was putting the finishing touches to the decertificiation motion.
[/quote]

THE NFL IS LYING! Lying I (they) say!

[Alexir]

We should cut Foxworth for failing to help get a CBA done lol

[JO_75]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1300080403' post='653673']
We should cut Foxworth for failing to help get a CBA done lol
[/quote]

Between that, fire DeMaurice Smith and Impeaching Roger Goodell as Commissioner, I would be all for it.

[FerrariFan87]

How can something that no longer exists be giving orders? Makes no sense, and it's a bit ridiculous too. I'd tell the NFLPA to take a hike.

[url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/news/story?id=6216135"]NFLPA Tells Prospects to Boycott Draft[/url]

[JO_75]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1300128780' post='653838']
How can something that no longer exists be giving orders? Makes no sense, and it's a bit ridiculous too. I'd tell the NFLPA to take a hike.

[url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/news/story?id=6216135"]NFLPA Tells Prospects to Boycott Draft[/url]
[/quote]

They better not take away the draft in any form. This is such so stupid, this is a bad PR move, Smith continues to look like a complete idiot and this proves it.

Unfortunately for the Incoming rookies who will get the invite, they are now being used by the NFLPA to make the league give in. Of course these rookies are probably going along with it because Smith probably said if you boycott it he would make sure the Rookie Scale takes into effect next year and not this year, or something stupid to make sure they do it.

This gets uglier and uglier every day.

[Clutch Ravens]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1300128780' post='653838']
How can something that no longer exists be giving orders? Makes no sense, and it's a bit ridiculous too. I'd tell the NFLPA to take a hike.

[url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/news/story?id=6216135"]NFLPA Tells Prospects to Boycott Draft[/url]
[/quote]

Yeah, that's how you get the fans on your side. Take away football, then try to take away the most watched draft in sports that provides off-season entertainment for the majority of football fans.

The NFLPA should've elected someone with more than one brain cell as their head.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1300130760' post='653864']
They better not take away the draft in any form. This is such so stupid, this is a bad PR move, Smith continues to look like a complete idiot and this proves it.

Unfortunately for the Incoming rookies who will get the invite, they are now being used by the NFLPA to make the league give in. Of course these rookies are probably going along with it because Smith probably said if you boycott it he would make sure the Rookie Scale takes into effect next year and not this year, or something stupid to make sure they do it.

This gets uglier and uglier every day.
[/quote]


[quote name='Clutch Ravens' timestamp='1300131010' post='653867']
Yeah, that's how you get the fans on your side. Take away football, then try to take away the most watched draft in sports that provides off-season entertainment for the majority of football fans.

The NFLPA should've elected someone with more than one brain cell as their head.
[/quote]

The Draft will still go on, but the top prospects won't be there to shake the Commissioner's hand, put on his new team's hat, and hold up the #1 jersey. It's a shame.

[JO_75]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1300137457' post='653938']
The Draft will still go on, but the top prospects won't be there to shake the Commissioner's hand, put on his new team's hat, and hold up the #1 jersey. It's a shame.
[/quote]

That's still apart of the Draft experience, not just for the fans but for the players to have that honor to go up on stage and shake Roger's hand. That means now Smith is trying to take away some of the Draft Experience from the rookies.

I saw that April 6th... is the court date set for the NFL. Once again Smith is screwing up the NFL, first for not trying to get the court date changed to say next week and now apparently there will be no chance of negotiations between now and April 6th... I'm officially on the Owners Side, the players and Smith are being big babies about everything and are willing to throw away football just to get their way.

Goodbye NFL!

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/14/report-nflpa-source-says-theres-no-chance-of-negotiations-before-april-6/

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Clutch Ravens' timestamp='1300131010' post='653867']
Yeah, that's how you get the fans on your side. Take away football, then try to take away the most watched draft in sports that provides off-season entertainment for the majority of football fans.

The NFLPA should've elected someone with more than one brain cell as their head.
[/quote]

Exactly. I'd like to ask the players how this would be in the fans "best interest" since they seem so concerned about us. Or is the NFL "lying" and responsible for putting this story out. [img]http://www.steelersuniverse.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes2.gif[/img]

Not sure what this has to do with litigation and bargaining anyway.

[JO_75]

Here's some good news, despite a Lockout, the Schedule will still be released in April... but I have a feeling Smith will probably protest this too.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/15/schedule-will-be-released-in-april-despite-lockout/

[quote]Says NFL spokesman Greg Aiello via e-mail, “The plan is to release the schedule as we normally do in mid-April. An announcement date has not been set.”[/quote]

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1300246554' post='654794']
Here's some good news, despite a Lockout, the Schedule will still be released in April... but I have a feeling Smith will probably protest this too.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/15/schedule-will-be-released-in-april-despite-lockout/
[/quote]

Look, fans, all the games you won't get to watch this season!

[JO_75]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1300247970' post='654800']
Look, fans, all the games you won't get to watch this season!
[/quote]

Oh I know that was my first thought. That's probably going to be my first thought when I see the schedule get released.

[JO_75]

The Players have sent a 4 Page letter to Roger Goodell. This is further proof that the players are being greedy and turning more people against them.

http://rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/201953/players-send-four-page-letter-to-goodell

[quote]"We start by reminding you that we were at the negotiations and know the truth about what happened." It then reiterates the players' decision to decertify the NFLA was a "last resort" before going on to say they are "troubled" by Goodell's letter, and that his statements are "false." [/quote]

Hey Players, we wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't hire a clueless moron like Smith to help you out, we wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't walk out during one of the mediation periods and walk away from a deal that would have gotten you what you wanted, so don't feed the decertification was a last resort, you were going to do that all along. So stop acting like spoiled teenagers who won't get their way and won't stop crying until you get your way and just agree to a damn deal!

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1300552382' post='656444']
Hey Players, we wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't hire a clueless moron like Smith to help you out, we wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't walk out during one of the mediation periods and walk away from a deal that would have gotten you what you wanted, so don't feed the decertification was a last resort, you were going to do that all along. So stop acting like spoiled teenagers who won't get their way and won't stop crying until you get your way and just agree to a damn deal!
[/quote]
Way back when Smith was hired as the new NFLPA executive director, I thought it was questionable that they brought in an outsider. He has no prior experience with a football organization or professional sports league and is merely a charismatic lawyer. I was shocked that he won over Troy Vincent, who was wildly popular with the players during his time as a player rep and NFLPA president.