Bob Grant: It’s Just Politics
Wow!
We already have guys like Mike Florio starting to work toward dividing the Players who were recognized in the suit. Seems to me that there are always those who want to pit players against one another like Pit Bull Dogs. Why didn’t Mike mention that the Man who initiated the suit and provided the early financing is not even a member of the Class and isn’t even getting paid. (Click HERE to read that post from Mike Florio on ProFootballTalk).
I think that folks should just calm down a bit and give both Parrish and Smith time to gather their thoughts and we can hear how they see it all in thirty days or so. I just hope that all of the boys who do get paid will kick in the $1,000.00 to the war chest that Bernie has requested for the legal actions that we have planned so that ALL retired players can get a few bucks next time.
I also find it funny to hear darn near everybody taking credit for this settlement and the check isn’t even signed yet. Why weren’t they taking credit for us “getting our bubble gum taken” when “Mean Gene” aka “Darth Vader” was staring them down?
It was probably a wise move on the Owners part when they hooked up with the “Fourth and Alumni” fellas and it was smart on the part of Smith to put a “maybe settlement” on the table. It’s just politics folks, just politics. That’s the way and nature of the game.
Bob Grant
Dave Pear
June 7th, 2009 at 10:10 am #
Dear Retired Players,
The NFLPA Leadership has a malicious attitude and a sinister objective!
It is very revealing that after 3 weeks in federal court a jury of 10 convicted them of breaching their fiduciary duty to retired players.
Retired players are RIGHT and our fraudulent union is WRONG.
Perhaps I repeat myself too much but a court of law found “malicious and oppressive conduct with evil motive”, and “conduct that was outrageous and grossly fraudulent!”
Please meditate on this accurate description of Gene Upshaw and his hand-picked group of rascals who are still in power (with the exception of Gene who has left the building).
We all need to get the sense of who they are and their way of life.
A GAO (Government Accountability Office) audit will expose that fraud that is pervasive throughout the NFLPA.
If things don’t change, active players will soon be retired players and they will soon also face a union that will steal their pension/disability money and no one will represent them.
Please do not curry favor with these GREEDY, IMMORAL and BRAZEN impostors.
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Bob Stein
June 8th, 2009 at 8:21 am #
Men-
While I was unable to attend the Summit I applaud those who did and particularly those whose work made it possible. Thanks.
I agree we need to do all we can to understand the workings of the NFLPA, yet have a concern that now, with a “new sheriff in town” we should give Dee Smith every reason to do the right thing by acknowledging when he has. After past wrongdoings, it’s hard not to expect the same from the NFLPA, but it’s not in our interest to harbor old grudges, even if justified.
Besides being an 8-year NFL vet (’69-’76), I am an attorney with a lot of negotiating experience and offer this suggestion in the spirit of supporting my friends, past teammates and other vets. Settling the GLA lawsuit rather than litigating forever (as expected from past NFLPA leadership) is a meaningful step. Recognizing it reinforces the approach and makes similar steps more likely.
Bob Stein
Kansas City Chiefs, LA Rams, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers
1969 – 1976
Michael Butler
June 8th, 2009 at 9:57 am #
How can I get a copy of the list of retired players that are attached to this lawsuit?
Michael Butler
John Houser
June 8th, 2009 at 11:08 am #
Bob Stein makes a lot of sense but caution should be the operative word. Let’s see what Dee Smith and the NFLPA want to offer. Let’s not jump at any carrots dangled before our noses before it’s thoroughly analyzed.
Know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em. Let’s see what their bet is before we raise the stakes to recover 25+ years of being screwed by the NFLPA.
John Houser
LA Rams & Dallas Cowboys St. Louis Cardinals
1958 – 1963