OPM: Other People’s Money
This one’s for both the players – active AND retired – as well as the fans. Evan Weiner’s last post about the fans pointed out fan apathy or ignorance on this incredible scam that the NFL has been playing on everyone all these years.
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With the CBA negotiations finally shut down, the NFLPA decertifying and the NFLPA also filing suit to overturn that juicy TV deal that gives the League money they need to sustain a lockout, everyone seems to miss the fact that the League is sticking to business-as-usual: Playing with Other People’s Money.
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Maybe not being a fan of football gives me a slightly different perspective on what should seem incredibly obvious: The NFL negotiates a very lucrative deal with all the networks that will still pay them billions even in the event of a lockout. So then the NFLPA says, “We want some of that!” and files their own version of a money grab. What everyone seems to have missed is the fact that the money doesn’t belong to either one of them. In fact, the money doesn’t really even belong to the cable and satellite networks who have made so many of their sports programs premium content. The money actually comes from the fans who pay to watch the games at home.
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So here’s a thought: Maybe fans should start calling or writing their cable and satellite providers to demand a refund of THEIR money. If the networks don’t have your money that they quietly pledged to the League, things take a completely different turn in this game. If fact, we’re surprised that class action lawyers haven’t already stepped up to the plate to sue everyone on behalf of the fans.
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The NFL and the NFLPA keep acting like that nasty kid from down the street who always managed to show up when you got that Monopoly game all set up to play with your friends. Remember him? The kid who would always want to re-roll the dice so he could land on the best properties and who would make up another rule when things weren’t going his way?
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Even now, every time I casually mention that the Black Eyed Peas didn’t get paid for their Half Time performance at Super Bowl (just like the Rolling Stones years ago), the answer’s always the same: “Wha…?!!” No one ever believes that the NFL manages to finagle anything and everything without having to pay for it. Half Time shows, public stadiums, team doctors, free car leases for game tickets, Pension Funds, Disability Benefits, medical benefits, players’ images and statistics… It seems like someone else always gets stuck paying the NFL’s tab.
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What else can you name?
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Dave Pear
March 17th, 2011 at 8:59 am #
Dear Roger Goodell & De Smith,
It is painfully clear to most of us that the NFL and the Union (if you want to call it a union) is not – and has never been – advocating for any substantial and/or realistic changes to the Disability program.
The union apparently does not have anyone who knows anything about disability working for them.
May I make a suggestion? Disability Attorney John Hogan has practiced disability law exclusively for over 35 years. Mr. Hogan has pointed out numerous times the shortcomings of the current illegal disability plan the was created by the Groom Law Group. On numerous occasions, Mr. Hogan has pointed out the current disability plan is illegal and violates ERISA Law, along with your own plan document for the Bell/Rozelle Retirement Board.
Have either of you even read this plan document? Commissioner Goodell, you weren’t even sure if you were the Chairman of the Board when asked by retired player, Conrad Dobler, at one of the Commissioner’s fact-finding missions you had in the past.
Roger, Page (27) Article 8.1 (c) states: The commissioner of the NFL will be an ex-officio, non-voting member.
(If you like I can send you a copy.)
We never hear about the forgotten per-1993 players in any of the public statements, the CBA negotiations or in any of the NFL or NFLPA comminuques. WHY?
When will the NFL begin paying restitution and damages to the pre-1993 players on: 1) disability benefits, 2) pensions and 3) medical after football?
No more rhetoric, guys. Because nobody believes you any more.
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Lou Piccone
March 17th, 2011 at 10:42 am #
Question:
How do you unbundle the programing with respect to what you pay? I guess it would be like the blackout when the home team doesn’t sell out. There’s no rebate from the broadcast company because they didn’t show it. If the Owner doesn’t spend the money to build a winning team, then the fans shouldn’t go to the stadium to see lackluster football, especially at the ticket prices today.
Don’t buy the NFL package and demand a reduction in contract cost if the NFL games are not played or broadcast. I know: Let the Owners try and lock out the FANS!
Whatever the method, the message should be… When is ENOUGH – ENOUGH. Get back to the table and work it out.
Lou Piccone
NY Jets – 74-76
Buffalo Bills – 77-83
Sal Marinello
March 17th, 2011 at 2:48 pm #
How long do you think DirecTV would stay in business if everyone canceled their service since there’s no NFL and therefore, no Sunday Ticket?
Sal
Sam Ruvolo
March 17th, 2011 at 11:10 pm #
I had the pleasure to coach many athletes who participated in professional football. Now I pray to GOD that none of these players are injured mentally in any way. I know that injuries may come back to haunt you much later in life, but to not have a medical plan to help these fine athletes is a disgrace to the League and Owners. I and many fans always thought that these athletes would have the best medical attention while they are participating and ESPECIALLY after their careers are over. Hope justice is done through these meetings.
Sincerely,
Sam Ruvolo