This Just In: Why the NFL Doesn’t Want a Cap
A new article from the Boston Globe’s Albert Breer, titled “Union’s pitch for capped 2010 shot down provides just a little more insight into why the League doesn’t want a cap next year.” The best part is an Update paragraph that was added to the end of the story:
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“UPDATE: A league source said the money that the union was referencing was that sunk into benefits, and that each team simply has the option of removing the benefits. So if a team chooses to continue its benefits program, that $10 million will not be saved.”
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No more explanation is necessary for this observation. Read the full article – click HERE.
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And a new piece from Sports Illustrated’s Michael McCann discusses the League’s dilemma in dealing with players and concussions:
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Cutting formerly concussed players could become thorny issue for NFL
Michael McCann
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Story Highlights
- Brian Westbrook, Jamal Lewis were cut in aftermath of concussion-laden seasons
- Disconnect between stated commitment to head injuries, ability to cut concussed
- NFLPA could demand new CBA treats concussion-related cuts differently
In recent months, NFL running backs Brian Westbrook and Jamal Lewis were cut in the aftermath of concussion-laden seasons. To be sure, their age, salary and decline in play were factors. But regardless, after a year in which the relationship between concussions and player health drew the keen interest of Congress and other lawmakers, it seems improper for NFL teams to cut players who may still suffer from postconcussion symptoms.
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Technically, NFL players injured on the job cannot be cut without compensation. The standard NFL contract requires that if a player is injured on the job, and if the player promptly communicates the injury, then he is owed payment for as long as his injury prevents him from playing that season. Normally, the player’s agent and the team’s general manager try to agree on an injury settlement. They attempt to forecast the number of weeks the player would miss because of injury; the player should get paid for each week he would have played if not hurt. If the injury is long-term, the player can receive up to an additional $300,000 in recognition of not playing in the following season (that amount can be higher and for additional seasons if negotiated as such in the player’s contract).
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If the GM and agent can’t agree on the terms of a settlement, perhaps because they disagree on the existence or severity of a player’s alleged injury, the team could cut him without a settlement. Unless the player has a guaranteed payment due, the team would not owe him anything…
Read the full article – click HERE.
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Dave Pear
February 27th, 2010 at 6:06 PM #
In his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee last October, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said of the link between head injuries and brain ailments, “I can think of no issue to which I’ve devoted more time and attention than the health and well-being of our players, and particularly retired players.”
The problem here, Roger, is NOBODY believes you.
You attempt to talk the talk but are unable to walk the walk.
Do you even remember a few months ago in Washington DC on October 28, 2009 when Rep. Maxine Waters scolded you and said, “It is time to remove the antitrust exemption from the NFL.”
And what about Gay Culverhouse who is the daughter of a former NFL owner and was the President of a team for several years? In her testimony at that hearing, she stated that the team doctors do not look out for the interests of the injured players but rather work for the team and in their best interests.
Any comment?
Certainly, NFL quack Dr. “NO” Ira Casson has shown that to be true on head injuries and concussions.
How about Rep. Linda Sanchez who – after showing you the video clip of NFL quack Dr. “NO” denying the effects of repeated blows to the head 3 times by saying “NO” – “NO” – “NO” to head injuries and brain damage when questioned. He certainly seemed quite sure of himself. Then Linda Sanchez went on to compare this coverup in the NFL on head injuries to the tobacco industry coverup.
It has been an undeniable fact (and common sense) that repeated blows to the head cause head injuries.
Allow me to give you some unsolicited advice: Have NFL quack Dr. “NO” Ira Casson read an 82-year-old study by Dr. Harrison Martland which still continues to be overwhelmingly cited by researchers today because of its meticulous examination of damaged brains.
Retired players would still like some more feedback from Dr. “NO.”
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Irv Cross
February 28th, 2010 at 7:12 PM #
Dave:
I’m not sure if most retired players are even aware of the fact that they have access to their medical and trainer’s records. If any former player has concerns about concussions or any other injuries, I would suggest they refer to Article XLV Section 2 (Medical Records) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement 2006-2012 posted on your site a couple of days ago (click HERE). If you have questions about your injury history, just follow the guidelines in the agreement. Make sure your request for information is directed by your physician.
Good luck,
Irv Cross
1961 – 1969
Philadelphia Eagles & LA Rams