Did anyone see the story on a move to oust Gene Upshaw from the NFLPA? - New England Patriots Forums

***PatsDeb*** · 04-09-2008, 07:59 AM

I was in a bar having dinner last night & they played a story about a move afoot to oust Gene Upshaw from the NFLPA. Couldn't hear the sound & didn't know what the gist of the story was. Is it the retired players making noise again or is this legitimate?

I for one am a bit nervous about the league's ability to negotiate with the players with Goodell (for nothing) at the helm.

GostkowSKI · 04-09-2008, 08:06 AM

From what I had heard, Matt Stover (player rep from Baltimore) send out a sort of "mission statement" for the future of the players union, and in it they had plans to have a new union rep in place by March of 2009.

Zeke_Mowatt · 04-09-2008, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GostkowSKI

From what I had heard, Matt Stover (player rep from Baltimore) send out a sort of "mission statement" for the future of the players union, and in it they had plans to have a new union rep in place by March of 2009.

Yes, but was also denied as a "mission" by Mawae (head of PU) so hard to say if it's one pissed off kicker, or a pissed off union coordinating something and trying to keep it quiet. They also mentioned that Upshaw only has like 3 years before mandatory retirement so it's not exactly a "pressing" issue

***PatsDeb*** · 04-09-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeke_Mowatt

Yes, but was also denied as a "mission" by Mawae (head of PU) so hard to say if it's one pissed off kicker, or a pissed off union coordinating something and trying to keep it quiet. They also mentioned that Upshaw only has like 3 years before mandatory retirement so it's not exactly a "pressing" issue

Except that 3 years is going to overlap the next contract between the union and the league. Did they say whether the mission statement was "accidentally leaked" or did Stover send it to the press?

Minute30Left · 04-09-2008, 09:33 AM

It seems that there is no specific reason yet through there are rumors that it's because Upshaw is being paid too much.

I've got to wonder whether new leadership would be demanding a better deal with the NFL.

If it's just a matter of getting better coverage for retired players I don't see too much wrong with it.

***KontradictioN*** · 04-09-2008, 11:02 AM

Here's a better question: who cares?

BrianPat · 04-09-2008, 11:16 AM

I think it also has to do with Upshaw saying he'd stay beyond the mandatory retirement if he felt the Union needed him, just saw that yesterday

questionman · 04-09-2008, 11:21 AM

Profootballtalk.com has been running some items on the issue. From an outsider perspective, I can't stand Upshaw. He seems way too full of himself, almost like he is bigger than the group he represents. Not to mention his stance on help the former players.

***DaBruinz*** · 04-09-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minute30Left

It seems that there is no specific reason yet through there are rumors that it's because Upshaw is being paid too much.

I've got to wonder whether new leadership would be demanding a better deal with the NFL.

If it's just a matter of getting better coverage for retired players I don't see too much wrong with it.

There's not much better than the deal they have now. The players get 65% of the money that the NFL makes. That is an absurd amount of money.

***DaBruinz*** · 04-09-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

Here's a better question: who cares?

You should since Upshaw is the one who could lead the players into a strike... And he's the one who has hurt negotiations more than helped.