Have a Question For the NFLPA? Please Submit One Here - New England Patriots Forums

**Ian** · 02-16-2011, 08:36 PM

I was recently contacted by a group who is working with the NFLPA on a fan Q&A to answer questions about the current labor situation, and they've selected me as the "point of contact" for Patriots fans. As a result I'm posting this thread to give fans who would like to ask the player reps questions the opportunity to do so, and they will be submitted along with questions from fans from other teams around the league.

This event I'm told was put together at the request of Mike Donnelly and George Attalah from the NFL Players association. The plan is to put these together for a fan Q&A forum with DeMaurice Smith (provided he's not in an active meeting with the league), who will hopefully give us an inside look at what's been going on inside the negotiations.

On Monday at 2pm ET there is a UStream broadcast event scheduled where they will select questions (which will be submitted ahead of time) and they will take the time to answer them. Fans who are interested will have the ability to watch online, and like other fans in the other cities I have scheduled an event locally here in New Hampshire to bring Patriots fans together and represent us, and would love to have some of you who live in the Seacoast area attend (or even those who want to come up here and be a part of it). I'll post that information in a separate thread, because the purpose of this one is to have fans submit potential questions to be answered during Monday's broadcast:

EVENT: NFLPA UStream Event Location

So if you have a question that you'd like to submit please do so in this thread, or if you'd feel more comfortable please PM me with your question and I'll send it over. I'd like to have these by tomorrow night (Thursday) so that they can be sent over and provided in time for this weekend, when they will finalize what will be asked along with the rest of the details.

Sorry for the short notice. This was apparently a last-minute thing and I wasn't given much time, but obviously they're interested to hear from fans and get them involved. So please post your question and let's make this a productive thread. No discussion please, just questions to be submitted. Save the rest for the other thread that will be added with the information.

***PatriotsInGA*** · 02-16-2011, 08:53 PM

First off, way to go Ian on getting the forums this opportunity!
Now my question to the NFLPA:

What would the repercussions be if the Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed right before the NFL Preseason is set to begin? Would the season be delayed any sort of time?

Patriot Missile · 02-16-2011, 09:25 PM

Where is the Union at right now as far as their stance on a 18 game schedule? Have they been discussed as of yet? Is this one of the key bargaining chips for both sides?

***Tunescribe*** · 02-16-2011, 09:40 PM

I also have a question about the 18-game schedule: Is the NFLPA aware of recent polls showing that a solid majority of NFL fans DO NOT want an 18-game regular season? Will this be presented as evidence in argument against the owners' proposal?

And: What are the prospects of a rookie salary cap being implemented for players drafted this year? Does the association agree with this concept and if so, how would you like to see it structured?

Willie55 · 02-16-2011, 09:51 PM

My question: We've seen a number of players get franchised in the last couple days. We've heard that the NFLPA thinks these are acts are worthless since the collective bargaining agreement will have expired. What is the players union basing this on? What do you think the owners are basing it on that they can still franchise these players?

***DaBruinz*** · 02-16-2011, 10:31 PM

Here is my question:

Would someone with the NFLPA be willing to list out the "benefits" that players get and whether or not they have to pay for those benefits?

Such as access to full blown gym and practice facilitiesz, trainers, medical care, food, lodging (during away games), private air travel, Retirement Services (such as Roth IRA/401K), etc..

***DaBruinz*** · 02-16-2011, 10:33 PM

Why has the NFLPA not taken a harder stance on Concussions? Why haven't they pushed the NFL to dissolve their Exclusive deal with Riddell and allow other companies to provide helmets that are as good or even better than the ones that Riddell produces. Why does it seem they've put the entire onus on the NFL to protect the players when the players are the ones who are out there getting hit and suffering the concussions?

***ausbacker*** · 02-17-2011, 01:10 AM

Why isn't the NFLPA forcing the league to schedule Patriots games in Australia?

Froob · 02-17-2011, 07:27 AM

If the 18 game schedule happens, who will the new 2 games likely be against?

Pat_the_Patriot · 02-17-2011, 07:32 AM

Do you understand/realize that the average fan does not support your union? Do you understand that even many hardcore union guys feel that your demands are incredulous, at best? Why would you push forward your current agenda knowing that it risks your very livelihood... or at least a portion of it?