More proff the NFLPA is bias

[falcons faithful]

MINNEAPOLIS -- While NFL owners and players appear to be inching toward a resolution of the league's long lockout, a group of retired players is clamoring to be more involved in the discussions.

The group filed a class-action complaint against the owners and current players in federal court Monday, saying they have been excluded from the mediation sessions taking place in an attempt to end the lockout.

Named plaintiffs including Hall of Famers Carl Eller, Franco Harris, Marcus Allen and Paul Krause are asking U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson to put a halt to the mediation she ordered and declare that the current players cannot negotiate on behalf of those who are retired.

Owners and current players have met five times over the last few weeks as they work to put together a new collective bargaining agreement in time to avoid the loss of training camps and games. They met with U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur J. Boylan in Minneapolis last week, including for more than 15 hours on Thursday, and will resume meetings on Tuesday in New York.

The retired players say that NFL owners, the NFL Players' Association and a group of current players including star quarterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are "conspiring to depress the amounts of pension and disability benefits to be paid to former NFL players in order to maximize the salaries and benefits to current NFL players."

The NFL declined comment on the complaint, which was first reported by the New York Times. The Associated Press left a message for an NFLPA spokesman seeking comment.

The complaint gets to the heart of an issue that has been building for quite some time. Retired players have felt marginalized in the dispute over how to divide more than $9 billion in revenue.

After the owners locked out the players in March, the NFLPA disbanded and a group of them sued the league for antitrust violations. A small group of retired players, including Eller, Obafemi Ayanbadejo and Ryan Collins, filed their own lawsuit against the league seeking more help for medical treatments of former players and better pensions.

Nelson combined the two lawsuits, and several representatives of the retired players, including Eller and attorney Michael Hausfeld were present at early mediation sessions in Minneapolis.

But as talks have heated up and the venue has shifted from the Twin Cities to Maryland, Massachussetts, Illinois and back to Minneapolis again over the last month or so, the retired players have not been present.

This hasn't sit well with them, and lawyers for the group have sent letters to Boylan, lobbied Commissioner Roger Goodell and held intense media briefings to make their feelings known.

The complaint said the players' decision to decertify their union makes it an antitrust violation for the owners and current players to negotiate for retired players.

It also alleges that the NFL had said it would tap revenue streams both from within and outside the salary cap to help retired players, union representatives including DeMaurice Smith want all the money delegated for the cap to be given to current players.

"Through the settlement they are forging, the Brady plaintiffs, the NFLPA and the NFL defendants are conspiring to set retiree benefits and pension levels at artificially low levels," the complaint alleged.

If Nelson rejects the motion for an injunction on the mediation, the retired players are asking for treble damages.

It was not immediately clear what kind of impact the filing would have on the continuing talks between the owners and current players. They were scheduled to resume on Tuesday, with the open of training camp less than three weeks away and the preseason opener between the Bears and Rams slated for Aug. 7 in Canton, Ohio.

[Radical]

Your thread title makes no sense.

[IceFalcon]

Proof*

Biased*

And of course the NFLPA is biased... they represent the players.

Edited July 5, 2011 by IceFalcon

[Herr Doktor]

Well, there goes the season. But down with the retired vets getting a bigger slice. What have ******* rookies done compared to Franco Harris?

[Robb4242]

Proof*

Biased*

And of course the NFLPA is biased... they represent the players.

Players do eventually become former players, so shouldn't they be concerned about the player's post-career benefits as well?

I've been saying for almost a year now that this is not about all of the NFL's players. This is about the NFL's elite players. What they are fighting for is not going to help the majority of NFL players and it surely will not help any of the retired players. Once the lockout is done, you will see a lot of renegotiated contracts with players like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, & Drew Brees. They are going to receive significant pay increases to cover the salary gap between current payroll & the amount the team will be required to spend annually on salaries.

JMO, let the players & owners figure out & sign their 48/52 split of the profits. Then, once the ink is dry, let the courts take 10% from each side & give to the retired players since the court merged the 2 lawsuits (current players & former player suits) and the players/owners discussions have left out the retired guys.

[GEORGIAfan]

Well, there goes the season. But down with the retired vets getting a bigger slice. What have ******* rookies done compared to Franco Harris?

the rookies have taken a huge cut already, and the NFLPA is looking out for the retired players. they always have. retired players are either wanting more than they might get or ( more likely) they are not apart of the conversations and are out of the loop, so they believe their share is what is being cut.

Players do eventually become former players, so shouldn't they be concerned about the player's post-career benefits as well?

I've been saying for almost a year now that this is not about all of the NFL's players. This is about the NFL's elite players. What they are fighting for is not going to help the majority of NFL players and it surely will not help any of the retired players. Once the lockout is done, you will see a lot of renegotiated contracts with players like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, & Drew Brees. They are going to receive significant pay increases to cover the salary gap between current payroll & the amount the team will be required to spend annually on salaries.

JMO, let the players & owners figure out & sign their 48/52 split of the profits. Then, once the ink is dry, let the courts take 10% from each side & give to the retired players since the court merged the 2 lawsuits (current players & former player suits) and the players/owners discussions have left out the retired guys.

this is for the little guy. Brees is going to get paid big bucks no matter what. they could have a salary cap of 10 dollars and 9 of them would go to brees. The NFLPA has been working to get more money to the retired guys, so this BS of them not looking out for them is asinine. Also cheap teams are going to have a tough time, but as someone pointed out before teams have been paying close to the 90-95% of the salary cap. I believe the falcons paid 87% the year before last.

[Robb4242]

this is for the little guy. Brees is going to get paid big bucks no matter what. they could have a salary cap of 10 dollars and 9 of them would go to brees. The NFLPA has been working to get more money to the retired guys, so this BS of them not looking out for them is asinine. Also cheap teams are going to have a tough time, but as someone pointed out before teams have been paying close to the 90-95% of the salary cap. I believe the falcons paid 87% the year before last.

We'll see if this is for the little guy once the lockout is over & teams have to meet the new payroll standards. Not going to know that for sure until it happens.

As for the NFLPA looking after the retired players, they cannot legally negotiate ANYTHING for the retired players anymore. Once the union decertified, they lost the right or ability to do that which is why the retired players had to file their own lawsuit to be involved in the negotiations.

[BleedBlack&Red]

Fantastc :wacko:

[falcons faithful]

For the poster who want's to spell check, I sorry for you that your so lonely you have to spell check post, you will make a fine English teacher when you GROW UP. P.S you missed folks that only came out "olks DUH

If you don't understand that the NFLPA has again proven that they don't care about the players who started the Union and who with out them the NFL might not be as popular as it is an thus the players today might not be making the dollars they are then I can't help you.

It's a crying shame how the union THEY STARTED has turned it's back on them.

Edited July 5, 2011 by falcons faithful

[falconmaniac]

For the poster who want's to spell check, I sorry for you that your so lonely you have to spell check post, you will make a fine English teacher when you GROW UP. P.S you missed folks that only came out "olks DUH

If you don't understand that the NFLPA has again proven that they don't care about the players who started the Union and who with out them the NFL might not be as popular as it is an thus the players today might not be making the dollars they are then I can't help you.

It's a crying shame how the union THEY STARTED has turned it's back on them.

You really should check your spelling before you hit the post button.

It makes it much easier for fellow message board members to read and understand when things are spelled the correct way.

[MattM12]

You really should check your spelling before you hit the post button.

It makes it much easier for fellow message board members to read and understand when things are spelled the correct way.

plus it takes the edge off your point?

Do that in a presentation, and no one will continue to listen to you. They will just look for more mistakes.

It doesn't make your point stupid, it just makes it less credible. No offense, JMO

[AtlantaFalconPokerPro]

What do the fans get? We pay for all of this madness. The longer this lockout goes on, the more interest I lose in what's going on with the NFL. This is coming from someone that would come to this site, ESPN, NFLN, and other NFL based sites multiple times a day. I spend two nights a week watching football, and all day Sunday. I spent about 600 a year going to games, another 100 a year for the NFLn. Not to mention all of the memorabilia I buy on a yearly basis. In all, I spend well over 1,000 a year on the NFL. I plan on cutting way back until I feel like the NFL and players actually give a **** about the people that pay for them to act like ******.

I can invest that 1k into other things, and watch the Falcons on a local channel.

[falcons faithful]

You really should check your spelling before you hit the post button.

It makes it much easier for fellow message board members to read and understand when things are spelled the correct way.

do you really think I care what you think, don't answer I will NOPE

Plus learn the concept of sarcasm there was a reason for the mistake DUH

Edited July 5, 2011 by falcons faithful

[falcons faithful]

plus it takes the edge off your point?

Do that in a presentation, and no one will continue to listen to you. They will just look for more mistakes.

It doesn't make your point stupid, it just makes it less credible. No offense, JMO

Well since I wasn't posting with an edge and don't want people to listen but to read and this is not a presentation board but a message board. Less stupid LOL this from some one who's whole contribution to the post is to talk about grammar and not the post GET A LIFE.

Edited July 5, 2011 by falcons faithful

[GEORGIAfan]

do you really think I care what you think, don't answer I will NOPE

Plus learn the concept of sarcasm there was a reason for the mistake DUH

what does sarcasm have to do with spelling errors? and what is the reason for the mistake?

also the only bias I see is yours. the article shows that the retired players are unhappy with both the owners and NFLPA, but I believe it has more to do with the NFLPA not keeping the retired players in the loop, but they should understand that the NFLPA does have their best interest.

[Mr. Hoopah!]

Proof*

Biased*

And of course the NFLPA is biased... they represent the players.

For the poster who want's to spell check, I sorry for you that your so lonely you have to spell check post, you will make a fine English teacher when you GROW UP. P.S you missed folks that only came out "olks DUH

Spelling and grammar are admirable traits.

[falcons faithful]

what does sarcasm have to do with spelling errors? and what is the reason for the mistake?

also the only bias I see is yours. the article shows that the retired players are unhappy with both the owners and NFLPA, but I believe it has more to do with the NFLPA not keeping the retired players in the loop, but they should understand that the NFLPA does have their best interest.

:lol:

OK let me help your simple mind try and understand. If you had read which more and more I don't think you can I made the second spelling error to be sarcastic towards the poster and his grammar class DUH :wacko:

WOW your really can't READ!!!The NFLPA is bias because they ARE NOT worried about the retired players other wise the same would not have to file suit in the first place. :wacko:

They should understand huh guess that's why they file suit because they not only don't understand but don't believe it whats so ever. DUH :wacko:

[Borat]

:lol:

OK let me help your simple mind try and understand. If you had read which more and more I don't think you can I made the second spelling error to be sarcastic towards the poster and his grammar class DUH :wacko:

WOW your really can't READ!!!The NFLPA is bias because they ARE NOT worried about the retired players other wise the same would not have to file suit in the first place. :wacko:

They should understand huh guess that's why they file suit because they not only don't understand but don't believe it whats so ever. DUH :wacko:

Your spelling, grammar, and logic are all atrocious.

[Radical]

:lol:

OK let me help your simple mind try and understand. If you had read which more and more I don't think you can I made the second spelling error to be sarcastic towards the poster and his grammar class DUH :wacko:

WOW your really can't READ!!!The NFLPA is bias because they ARE NOT worried about the retired players other wise the same would not have to file suit in the first place. :wacko:

They should understand huh guess that's why they file suit because they not only don't understand but don't believe it whats so ever. DUH :wacko:

Absolutely certain we're dealing with someone who is handicapped at this point.

[falcons faithful]

Absolutely certain we're dealing with someone who is handicapped at this point.

I'm also very certain we are dealing with someone who is handicapped and I'm very sorry that you are and you have my utmost sympathy. See I knew you were handicapped from your first post just didn't think it was my place to bring it out but your very brave to admit it.

[Radical]

I'm also very certain we are dealing with someone who is handicapped and I'm very sorry that you are and you have my utmost sympathy. See I knew you were handicapped from your first post just didn't think it was my place to bring it out but your very brave to admit it.

Is that really the best you can do?

[Borat]

FF, answer honestly; At what grade did you drop out of school?

[GEORGIAfan]

:lol:

OK let me help your simple mind try and understand. If you had read which more and more I don't think you can I made the second spelling error to be sarcastic towards the poster and his grammar class DUH :wacko:

WOW your really can't READ!!!The NFLPA is bias because they ARE NOT worried about the retired players other wise the same would not have to file suit in the first place. :wacko:

They should understand huh guess that's why they file suit because they not only don't understand but don't believe it whats so ever. DUH :wacko:

So your excuse for making the mistake was that you were trying to bait someone into correcting you. you dabble in childish squabbles and you want me to read more so I can join in? No thanks.

being bias has nothing to do with not worrying about retired players. please look up the term bias. I dont harp on grammar, but do not use terms you do not understand.

Who cares if they do not understand or believe, because that does not make it false, and they are suing the NFL and the NFLPA, so dont try and blame the NFLPA on this. Also it is well documented that the NFLPA is working to help retired players. their initial offer was to have a rookie scale and use half the saved money to help vets and retired players pensions.

you continue to get worse and worse in the quality of your posting. You should go back to being Gazoo lackey.

[Borat]

So your excuse for making the mistake was that you were trying to bait someone into correcting you. you dabble in childish squabbles and you want me to read more so I can join in? No thanks.

being bias has nothing to do with not worrying about retired players. please look up the term bias. I dont harp on grammar, but do not use terms you do not understand.

Who cares if they do not understand or believe, because that does not make it false, and they are suing the NFL and the NFLPA, so dont try and blame the NFLPA on this. Also it is well documented that the NFLPA is working to help retired players. their initial offer was to have a rookie scale and use half the saved money to help vets and retired players pensions.

you continue to get worse and worse in the quality of your posting. You should go back to being Gazoo lackey.

You're the one using "terms you don't understand."

Edited July 6, 2011 by Borat.Sagdiyev

[Borat]

You're using "bias," a noun, as an adjective, you moron. That's akin to describing an imbecile such as yourself as a "stupidity person." The word you are looking for is "biased." YOU need to look it up in the dictionary. That's not "grammar harping," that's basic English.

Edited July 6, 2011 by Borat.Sagdiyev