New NFLPA Director Prepares for “War”

DeMaurice Smith, a Washington, DC based attorney, was elected the new Executive Director of the NFL Players Association late Sunday night, replacing Gene Upshaw who passed away last August.

On Monday, Smith had his first press conference with reporters since being elected, via telephone.

Amongst the highlights of the call, Smith said of the league’s current labor situation:

“There isn’t a day where I don’t hope for peace, but at the same time there isn’t a day where we don’t prepare for war.”

Amazing.  It was one thing when Kellen Winslow Jr., still in college, went on a tirade claiming he was a “F*ckin’ Soldier.”

But for a man who has his law degree, and who is expected to lead a labor union for employees that average well over a million dollars per year (and a union that is probably going to be asking for a greater share of the pie, while the owners are going to be shooting for giving them less) to compare what he’s preparing for to war is absolutely ridiculous.

We’re not the most politically correct people in the world–in fact, I think in today’s world, people are often a little too sensitive about things that should be taken with a grain of salt–but war involves a hell of a lot more serious matters than whether or not a third string cornerback makes $750,000 or $850,000 per year.

Among his other comments:

“The men who play this game know about sacrifice, they know about honor, they know about duty”

Some of them certainly do.  But some of them (Pac-man Jones, Albert Haynesworth, Donte Stallworth, etc) still have a hell of a lot to learn, apparently.

“There are people in America who rely on those game-day checks — the people who park the cars, who work in concessions, the people who support this game in each and every way. I dont want a lockout for our men and for those people who need those eight paychecks every year.”

Oh yeah?  Then don’t let a lockout happen.  In fact, get smart and realize that the salary cap plays a large role in what has made your employers’ sport so popular, and what will keep them making big bucks for years to come.  Don’t let the owners eliminate revenue sharing, make sure that the cap (and salary floor) continue to grow, but whatever you do, don’t let there be a work stoppage.

“We all have a moral obligation to [former players]. We want them to be part of our team. The men around this table understand that.”

That seems to be directly opposite from the way Gene Upshaw always treated the situation, despite being a former player himself.  But action speaks louder than words, Mr. Smith–so again, get something done.