jterrell;4001312 said:
This argument doesn't even come close to flying much less being reality.
The end of the roster guys got raises of higher than 10% while the salary cap as a whole shrunk a fair amount.
Arguing this was a low priority for De Smith is both weak and intellectually dishonest. You have zero evidence that was the case and in fact are poo-pooing a fair raise where other players took pay cuts.
Fringe NFL players making 460 K per year is a good thing.
This argument was always out of left field and base don absolutely nothing but whining from personal relationships. The money raise didn't end up in there by accident or because owners just like paying guys that may never see the actual field. The NFLPA with De Smith at it's head got these favorable terms for lower end guys.
I have to admit that some of your statements have merit. Hey, the Postal Union negotiated at the level of Congress for it's Collective Bargaining Contract a few months ago. They couldn't get so much as a cost of living increase for two years of a five year contract. But they are a 'real' Union and the Player's Association is entirely in a league of their own.
Strictly on level of philosophical truths, one could also claim morale high ground for a group of shipwrecked and island marooned people for not giving up. As they slowly die from inadequate food supply and water to support their lives.
One can mentally attempt to regroup them as a 'common Joe' and say, hey, the Union headed by Smith walked on water for you. But they live in an exagerated life and circumstances, and resort of comparison to a common citizen, even a member of a Union, is in a transitionary manner to begin with.
Myself, I would be tremendously happy with a gross income bonanza of over fifty thousand dollars in ANY given year. Again, as was brought out on thread, I wouldn't move out too much space in one's trophy case for awards on principal here.
Players have walked into the ranks equal to ownership, and on the principal of collective rights fought for and created by a completely different and actually impoverished workforce that were the real cause of the birth of a body in the federal, state, and local levels that deals with labor.
Smith has coattailed his own aspirations to becoming a future Senator, upon ensuring standards already on the books, created financial burdens that had to be addressed by owners and the formation of a real advantage in negotiations. When Eugene Upshaw assumed leadership of a floundering Union, emotion and earned respect was the negotiable element. That was when conscience was still a realistic element in the process.
Smith, wisely, coattailed solidarity respect to the tune of the day this time. And watered, at the end, a sense of entitlement and validation of pride within the ranks of the players. That part has merit, indeed. But with some of his discolored stances and ill placed comments much earlier in the negotiations, one has to doubt the degree of sincerity that he now holds his head at, now that the efforts of an entire group have evolved.
The fact remains also, that if not for the appearance of a whole and idealized need, there would have been even less rewards for those truely on the lower end of things. Their sacrifices, physical demands, and commitment to the sport are no less important than the top producers on the field. The consideration comes from a comparison of top end and bottom end of money...not merit.
Thus enters the comments upon the fragility of the player good enough to play in the NFL; who has paid his due and deserves a legitimate right to maintain his professional status; but will now be cut due to top end being fueled by a system that now inhibits cost via new members, the drafted. The journeymen group that is.
This will bring more heat and consternation to the very players who should be shielded by a Union. No, it still promulgates the rich, and headed by a person who proved that he would wield any sword available to pursue his own agenda and directions as well.
Do I think gains that are positive have been contractually gained by a body fighting for just those types of gains? Yea, Smith was successful in directing his soldiers in a battle. Did he win the war? No, he didn't...as logic and accountability was shouldered by the Owners and the NFL as well. It was a joint effort.
High end morales are distorted in a full plate of merit being given out, although. As the whole business, on a player's side, is short termed and totally based upon high end money as it's objective. Once the merit hits the courts and negotiations although.
But the gamble and responsibility for maintaining a successful, albeit sport venue, still rests upon the NFL ownership. And to their credit, they adjusted to benefit a continuing environment of increased wealth and player protections, while additionally stabilizing the whole industry for long enough to weather current and worldwide monetary crisis. I have to give faith and respect there, but appreciate Smith for gaining for the players at the same time.
Lol, a fan might be tempted to shout out: "Hey, don't hit our high-priced, low end roster player!"
