NFLPA Finally Makes a Proposal on Widows’ Benefits
The NFLPA finally got around to making a proposal for pension increases to the 320+ widows who were left out of the current CBA. Keep in mind this is still a proposal until both sides sign off on it. Here’s the update that was sent out to Chapter Presidents from Former Player Executive Committee Representative Jim McFarland yesterday (our highlights in RED):
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Dear Fellow Chapter Officers:
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In case you have not already been informed, I am pleased to report from our conference calls today that we were notified that the NFL has agreed to pay its 51% of the Widows Legacy Benefit from Club Funds and that the NFLPA has offered to pay its 49% from $7 to 9 million of “fine money” that was not allocated to any specific charity. We are waiting for the NFL’s response.
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Thus, 51% will come from owner funds and 49% will come from player money taken from salaries in fine money under this proposal.
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Unfortunately, even if the NFL agrees to this proposal, the funds will not be immediately available to these widows and survivors just as funds were not immediately available for Pre-93 vested players. The process of paying such Legacy Benefits to these widows and survivors will be similar to the process of getting legacy benefits to Pre-93 vested players.
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With regard to the 2,841 former players who were immediately eligible to receive the legacy benefit, it has been a long, but steady process. As of today, apparently 84% of these former players are receiving their legacy benefit. Unfortunately 16% of these player elections are still in process for reasons including that some of these former players have QDRO issues with regard to divorced spouses, that they are receiving disability benefits which complicate determining their Legacy Benefit amount, and that 6% of these former players have not yet signed and returned their legacy benefit forms.
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Hopefully, these matters will be resolved soon. Let me know if you have any questions.
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Sincerely,
Jim McFarland
NFLPA Former Player Executive Committee Representative
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August 29, 2011 -- More Unanswered Questions on Pre-93 Issues (14)
September 23, 2011 -- Some Weekend Reading Sept 23rd (3)
October 9, 2011 -- Deafness Declared a Disability at the NFLPA (7)- March 4, 2012 -- Announcing Our Second Annual Conference (3)
August 17, 2011 -- Comparing Apples and Lemons (11)
Jim Bradshaw
June 15th, 2012 at 11:47 am #
So let me get this straight: The NFL proposed to pay its 51% share of the widows’ Legacy Benefit increase from the players’ fines. Then the NFLPA cried foul, citing the fine money is earmarked for charities.
And now the NFLPA is offering to pay THEIR 49% share to widows from the players fine fund.
Correct me if I got this wrong.
Jim Bradshaw
Pittsburgh Steelers
1963 – 1967
RobertinSeattle
June 15th, 2012 at 2:12 pm #
Jim -
You got it! And I guess it’s my ignorance as being neither a retired football player OR a lawyer but there’s something else very wrong with this picture.
It’s something called a Conflict of Interest. Most every time a player gets fined, the NFLPA typically jumps in to fight it and defend the player (except for the victims targeted in bountygate apparently!). But if that fine money is supposed to be funding their share of widows’ benefits, then that’s a clear Conflict of Interest. They want fewer of their active players penalized while out of the other side of their mouths, they want to be able to say they’re helping the widows. As always, it’s hard to serve two masters.
Oh wait a minute! I forgot! This is the NFLPA! Ha! Conflicts of Interest are a standard way of doing business. My mistake!
Robert
Henrietta Watson
June 27th, 2012 at 10:36 am #
I contacted the benefits office yesterday and was told that I would be receiving an increase. When or how much is still to be determined. I hope this information helps others looking for answers.
Henrietta Watson
widow Sid Watson (1932 – 2004)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins
1955 – 1958
Henrietta Watson
June 29th, 2012 at 5:06 am #
This morning I received an update. NO INCREASE! The benefits office told me I would, Fourth and Goal said I wouldn’t. I’ve decided not to waste any more time on this. So I do thank all of you for your caring and concern. I know there are many more current and retired players who are honorable. Unfortunately, they’re not in charge.
Just one more note, Don’t treat the widows like a charity case, they deserve better. (This refers to the NFLPA using money scheduled for charities).
Henrietta Watson
widow Sid Watson (1932 – 2004)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins
1955 – 1958