Letter from NFL Commissioner - Collective Bargaining update

[Heroes]

I really had no idea I was Roger Goodell's friend

-------------------------------------------------------
Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.



Yours,
Roger Goodell

[Fatboyyid]

So the NFL players are unhappy?

What the $20 per year not enough?

[BlueCrew LA]

So the NFL players are unhappy?

What the $20 per year not enough?

I'm with the players on this. It's not a case of overpaid divas whining about not getting paid obscene amounts of money. The players have a genuine case that they aren't being paid what they rightfully should given the amount of money in the game. Not just for the top end players like Brady and Manning but for the 7 year veteran O-Lineman that has paid his dues and is being fed peanuts comparatively. If the owners want people to believe that they're operating in good faith then open the books. The fact they aren't willing to is deeply suspect.

Cliff notes version of how we've gotten to this point.

Owners: We want more of the money.
Players: Why?
Owners: You see we carry all the risk.
Players: You mean the risk we carry as the players, that lowers our life expectancy and our quality of life?
Owners: Not exactly.
Players: So why do we have to give you a higher perc-
Owners: And play two more regular season games.
Players: Wait, what?
Owners: We want more of the money and for you to play more games.
Players: Why the hell would we do that?
Owners: Because we're not making as much money as you think?
Players: Then just prove it to us that you're not making as much money and revenue is down.
Owners: No
Players: Seriously?
Owners: No.
Players: Well we're just about to decertify...
Owners: Fine, want to see this information?
Players: Yes, finally!
Owners: Hahahaha, good.
Players: Wait, this isn't most of it...where's the good stuff.
Owners: You got all of it you greedy players.
Players: We really didn't get it all, I guess we're going to decertify. Last chance...
Owners: Please, didn't you think you got the best offer ever? Less money, more work? Who wouldn't want that.

[SolMed411]

Wait til there's no money due to no season, then the owners will really feel it... good for the players

[BlueCrew LA]

Wait til there's no money due to no season, then the owners will really feel it... good for the players

Personally I wouldn't be gutted if there wasn't football for a year. I would feel bad for the players that aren't marquee losing money but even with no NFL I have SC.

.... and it's safe to say the Broncos aren't winning a Superbowl next year. So I wouldn't be missing much.

[SolMed411]

I'm not a huge fan of the game myself (its always funny to mention football, which starts this big NFL rant, to find out I meant 'soccer'), so I really don't care if there's a season or not

And on a similar note, Bears aren't winning anything anytime soon either

[Fatboyyid]

So when the team is doing badly financially the owner has to cough up to pay the players wages? But when the owner starts making money then the players kick off demanding more?

Why not ask all clubs to contribute a small percentage into a pot for retired or injured players.

They should also have a better wage structure where the gap between the lowest paid and best paid is more even.

At the end of the day it's a business and it's employees are some of tue best paid in the world. Now name MDMA single business where the owner would put up salaries when they are doing well?

It is greed plain and simple. All players have agents and advisors. If their contract is not good enough they can either attempt to renegotiate or if the risk is to great get out of the sport and join the real world.

[BlueCrew LA]

So when the team is doing badly financially the owner has to cough up to pay the players wages? But when the owner starts making money then the players kick off demanding more?

Why not ask all clubs to contribute a small percentage into a pot for retired or injured players.

They should also have a better wage structure where the gap between the lowest paid and best paid is more even.

At the end of the day it's a business and it's employees are some of tue best paid in the world. Now name MDMA single business where the owner would put up salaries when they are doing well?

It is greed plain and simple. All players have agents and advisors. If their contract is not good enough they can either attempt to renegotiate or if the risk is to great get out of the sport and join the real world.

You clearly haven't been following this closely because that's exactly what the NFLPA are fighting for. Part of the proposal is to bring in a rookie wage cap which the funds would be distributed amongst veteran players. The NFLPA for YEARS has been fighting the league to for better benefits for retired players.

Also, the NFL and English clubs aren't analogous. While you're typical football club doesn't turn a profit, your typical NFL franchise is very profitable. So the argument that teams are struggling is bull and everyone knows it is. This isn't just a business and they aren't workers in a factory. The work a small group of people put in disproportionally benefits the franchise over the players. It's simple they deserve what they're asking for. Basically the players are asking transparency, something that is so common in Europe. Every year we are privileged to have an annual report giving us the details of the finances of this club. If we weren't there would be many in this board up in arms and we don't even play, players in the NFL lay their lives on the line every Sunday.

It is greed plain and simple. All players have agents and advisors. If their contract is not good enough they can either attempt to renegotiate or if the risk is to great get out of the sport and join the real world.

This is just ridiculous. Really, just give up what you've been training your whole life to fulfill. It's the democratic process, they are exercising their rights, option C.

[steelktm]

The issue is really the owners wanting more of the money off the top before splitting with the players. claiming they are not getting as much money and possibly losing in some areas. so when the players say they will turn over more money but will need to see the books that is when the owners aren't budging which to me is the real suspect part.

[Rev John Ripsher]

The owners seem to be taking their lead from government tactics ? If it is Ok for "The Man" to do it..........................