HARRISON'S IMPACT

NFLPA takes its case to the classroom, talks about lockout with law students

2011-04-20T07:56:00.000-05:00

NFLPA takes its case to the classroom, talks about lockout with law students

By Joseph White, The Associated Press – 11 hours ago

WASHINGTON — Even as the players have made their case in court, the NFL Players Association is making its case in the classroom.

Representatives of the NFLPA were invited guests at the American University's Washington College of Law on Tuesday, answering questions from students about the league's decision to lock out the players and the court proceedings that have followed.

The NFLPA made a similar appearance at Rutgers last month. The programs help the former union — now technically a trade association — make sure that students and the public at large are fully aware of its side of the story.

"I understand there's a lot of fan frustration and fan anger — directed at both sides, frankly," Atallah said. "I understand that. I'm a fan of the game myself, so I'm sympathetic to it. I think at the end of the day the fans and people need to know the players have worked on resolving this and have been attempting to avoid it for more than two years now. ... It's not lost on me that people want to see their football."

The savvy students peppered Atallah and former player Nolan Harrison with various legal questions — the words "litigation," ''decertification," ''injunction" and "mediation" were uttered many times. While the parties are under orders from a judge not to talk about the ongoing court-ordered mediation talks in Minneapolis, Atallah reiterated that a negotiated settlement from those talks — rather than more legal wrangling — is the preferred outcome for the players.

"The unfortunate thing about the current state of the business of football is that anything outside of a litigation settlement takes us into the unknown," Atallah said.

Atallah and Harrison restated many NFLPA positions: that the league had been planning the lockout for years in advance, that the players never threatened to strike, that they never asked for more money than they were getting in their previous deal, that they're concerned about the economic impact on businesses such as restaurants if games aren't played and that it doesn't make sense to them to have draft picks pigeonholed into five-year contracts when the average career doesn't last that long.

Harrison responded with vigour to a student's question that referenced the dispute as one of millionaires versus billionaires.

"Let's be clear about things: No one can cry poverty in the NFL," Harrison said, "but not every player is making over a million dollars."

Harrison said many players are done by age 25 and "go back to being regular students, regular employees, regular businessmen."

"To be fair," he added, "not every owner's a billionaire. But they're pretty darn close."

Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Former Players Message April 15, 2011

2011-04-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Trust (PAT),

Tyrone Allen, 800-372-2000

NFL Player Benefits

Bethany Marshall, 800-372-2000

NFL Player Care Foundation

800-NFL-Goal

NFLPA FORMER PLAYERS BENEFITS

An informational Website designed to describe the benefits available to Former NFL Players.

Click to view the site.

MY GOAL LINE

MyGoalLine.com is the only designated website for benefits in pro sports.

Click to view the site.

DEMARCUS WARE SHOWS LEADERSHIP

His latest act of leadership further proves that he is one of many players setting the
example.

Click to view the article.

HOW TO GET THE LIFE YOU WANT

Aspirational speaker Chris Gardner shares his secrets for success.

Click to view the article.

LEGENDS REVENUE OPPORTUNITY

School of the Legends is the world’s greatest online football experience. It serves aspiring
football players, NFL players—past and present—and fans worldwide. It provides valuable,
intensive web-based training for young people eager to learn the game. SOTL also offers an
exclusive social football community that is an official licensed partner of the NFL Players
Association and is destined to become a mega hit for players and fans.

Click to view the site.

READ ACROSS AMERICA

Dewey McClain and Solomon Brannan of the Atlanta chapter participate in the read across America campaign.

Click to view the article.

SOCIAL NETWORKS

Follow up with the NFLPA and happenings with the CBA here:

NFLPALegends on Twitter
NFLPA on FaceBook
NFLPA on LinkedIn

April 15, 2011

CLASS ACTION

Quote from Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers

February 24, 2011

Murphy: You know, right now our current players if they're vested, and you vest if you play
three or more seasons, you get health insurance coverage for five years, which is great. But
I look at it, too, and the transition for players from playing in the NFL to finding another
career and establishing themselves is very difficult, and I really wonder, sometimes, if we
do too much for the players. They've got severance pay and a 401(k) plan. I guess what I'm
saying is that sometimes it's not all bad, and going back and talking to some of the players
who played for Lombardi in the '60s - you know, they worked in the off-seasons, and they
made a very smooth transition into their second careers because they had to. And so I'm a
little worried that if we do too much for players in terms of compensation after their
career's end, and health insurance - it's not all bad to have an incentive to get a job. And,
so those are just some of the things we’re thinking through and talking through.

Click to view the article.

Former Player DC Chapter President Ray Schoenke Speaks Out

I recognize that as Former Pre-93 NFL Players, we do not always agree on everything, but we
do agree on some things. What we all agree on is to improve the health and financial welfare
of all former NFL Players particularly our generation. After the 2006 CBA, Bruce Laird and I
discussed how we were going to go forward since we were both dissatisfied with the treatment
and benefit structure that former players were receiving by the NFLPA. I told Bruce I was
going to stay under the NFLPA tent for a period of time and try to create change within the
system. I told him, the power to negotiate still rests with the NFLPA and I choose to stay.
Bruce, on the other hand, said he was going to try to create a new entity. I wish him well
and encourage him. While Bruce and I had some very strong disagreements I respect his tenacity
and resolve in trying to get things done. With the unexpected death of Gene Upshaw everything
changed dramatically.

It was fortuitous that I knew De before he became Executive Director of the NFLPA. I was very
close to the principal partner at De's former law firm, which is one the most respected law
firms in the country, and asked him for his opinion of De. He said he was a smart and a tough
litigator and when you went into court you wanted him on your side. I was very pleased when De
got the job. He told me to be patient. He would settle the lawsuit and former players would
get representation on the Executive Committee. I might add that Gene Upshaw and Troy Vincent
said point blank to me "we would never have representation on the Executive Committee." De
delivered on both points. Prior to the 2010 convention, De and I talked about the Legacy fund
and its importance to Pre-93'ers and his support for such a Fund. At the 2010 NFLPA
Convention I proposed a Legacy Fund for all vested pre-93 Former Players of $2000 a month to
be paid by the Owners. The motion was carried unanimously. Since then the Legacy Fund has
continued to be of great interest to all Pre-93'ers.

As the current CBA is winding its way through the negotiations both the owners and the active
players have been responsive to supporting the concept of the Fund. What has been difficult is
understanding the proposals that have been put forward by those outside the negotiating
parties. The good news both sides at the table feel it is appropriate and justifiable. The
question is how much will be set aside, what kind of benefits will finally be determined and
who amongst the pre-93'ers will be eligible. While I would like to comment on what I think is
appropriate for us to consider at this time, I do feel all of us, as Former NFL Players
regardless of our affiliation, our first commitment should be to our negotiating team and its
leader. We are deep into the game. Our team is on the field. Our leader has determined that
pursuing an outcome through the court system is the best approach to win the game. I
appreciate the comments made by Bruce Laird, Jeff Nixon, Joe DeLamielleure and Mark Murphy and
Jerry Richardson for the owners. All as former pre-93 players certainly have an appreciation
of our situation. On the other hand if I were in a poker game and my opponent refused to show
me his cards and told me to "trust him as to what was in his hands," I think we would all
agree that such a scenario is ludicrous. Yet that is what the owners our asking. Trust us. De
said, "Good luck but we'll see you in court." We have a great litigator as our leader and we
need to back him. The power to negotiate still rests with the NFLPA.

I feel very confident an agreement will be reached and both sides will determine how much
money will be set aside for the Legacy Fund. At that time we need the right people at the
table ready to negotiate on our behalf. I feel very confident with Cornelius, Nolan, and Jim
representing our interests. I have spent a lot of time with Jim in his efforts to be elected
to the Executive Committee. I found him to be knowledgeable, accessible, and responsive. I am
confident they will reach out to all of us when the time comes.

Respectfully,

Ray Schoenke

Dallas Cowboys 1963-1964
Washington Redskins 1966-1975

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

University of Michigan Depression Center

The University of Michigan Depression Center has partnered with the NFLPA to provide a
comprehensive mood and behavioral evaluation. The assessment will generate a personalized
treatment plan with recommendations that incorporate the past and current lifestyle of
the player and family. The Program includes a year-long follow up by specialists, which
will be coordinated with local physicians, care providers and family, thereby helping to
assure that progress is monitored and that any necessary adjustments are timely.
Pre-arranged services include: an initial assessment done over the phone by a qualified
nurse or social worker, a pre-visit phone call with a doctor, and if necessary a scheduled
day of care at the University of Michigan Depression Center. This is a need based program.

If you would like to know more please email Andre Collins
(andre.collins@nflplayers.com)
or Tyrone Allen (tyrone.allen@nflplayers.com).
By phone, call us at 1-800-372-2000 ext. 166.

VQ OrthoCare® Offers NFLPA Former Player Members the Opportunity to Live Without Knee Pain

Medical device company offers a special discount program on BioniCare, the only
device that can claim to provide an overall improvement to an osteoarthritic knee

VQ OrthoCare®, creator of the award-winning BioniCare® Knee System, is pleased to announce its
BioniCare member discount program for National Football League Players Association (NFPLA)
former player members and their families. VQ OrthoCare initiated this discount program based
on the need for a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical treatment option for retired professional
athletes living with osteoarthritis of the knee. Professional athletes move their knees up to
20 million times per year. In contrast, the average person uses their knees only three million
times per year. The constant knee movements wear down the knee joints, increasing the risk of
osteoarthritis of the knee (Overtime Magazine, 2007). In conjunction with the BioniCare member
discount program, VQ OrthoCare is also offering a financial aid program for former player members
needing assistance. "More than 27 million Americans are living with osteoarthritis of the knee
and National Football League players are three times more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the
knee than the general population," said VQ OrthoCare president and founder, Jim Knape. "We are
thrilled to be offering former player members of the NFLPA and their families the opportunity to
utilize this life-changing treatment option that will enable them to live pain free and regain
their active lifestyles."

GotProHealth NFLPA Member Discount Program

GotProHealth has launched a new member discount program as part of the NFL Players
Association's (NFLPA) member discount programs. GotProHealth will help educate players and
their families on the use of complementary and natural medicine. GotProHealth is also developing
a national network of qualified and licensed professionals in the field of complementary medicine
so that players will have access to experienced practitioners around the country. "This endeavor
has tremendous potential to change the way professional athletes and their families think about
getting and staying healthy," says Amy Lewis, CEO, and licensed acupuncturist.

Complementary medicine includes modalities such as acupuncture, massage therapy and body work,
herbal medicine, energy work, chiropractic, and naturopathic medicine. Ken Jenkins, President, and
a former NFL running back, knows firsthand how important complementary medicine can be on and off
the field. "I suffered many injuries during my career. I used acupuncture, massage therapy, and
chiropractic regularly during my career and it helped me recover. Even now – off the field – I
continue treatments to maintain my overall health." Jenkins adds, "Our job is to provide legitimate
and accurate information about complementary medicine and to make qualified professionals easily
accessible."

HEALTH

Power up your workouts: It's workout season -- here are some high-tech suggestions to
facilitate your fitness plans

By Eric Gwinn

Apr. 13, 2011 (McClatchy-Tribune News Service delivered by Newstex) -- Looking to energize
your workouts with some high-tech-gear? We're here to help.

Click to view the article.

Deciding to exercise is the first step. The second? Enlisting your brain

from: The Dallas Morning News, April 12, 2011

"In order to understand exercise motivation, it's important to understand where a person is in
terms of change," says Carla Sottovia, director of fitness and personal training exercise for
the Cooper Fitness Center. "For any change to occur, the person has to be ready emotionally and
physically. It has to come from within."

Click to view the article.

NEWS

Meanest Budget Cuts

From heating for the poor to removing unexploded landmines, the budget compromise takes the ax
to some very worthy programs.

Click to view the article.

BUSINESS

Money 101 Lesson One: Setting Priorities

1. Narrow your objectives.

You probably won't be able to achieve every financial goal you've ever dreamed of. So identify
your goals clearly and why they matter to you, and decide which are most important. By
concentrating your efforts, you have a better chance of achieving what matters most.

2. Focus first on the goals that matter.

To accomplish primary goals, you will often need to put desirable but less important ones on
the back burner.

Click to view the article.

The Smokescreen That Hides the Truth

2011-04-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Here's the thing, the NFL owners could right now implement The Legacy Fund. The NFLPA Former Players requested the $10 million per team savings in 2010 to be used to create the fund. Those savings came from the owners not having to pay benefits to the players due to the uncapped year. That's $320 million that would've seeded the fund. They flat out refused. Don't buy into the divisive tactics that are being employed right now. Let stand behind the leadership and the class and make them show us why they won't.

NFLPA Former Players Message April 8, 2011

2011-04-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Trust (PAT),

Tyrone Allen, 800-372-2000

NFL Player Benefits

Bethany Marshall, 800-372-2000

NFL Player Care Foundation

800-NFL-Goal

NFLPA FORMER PLAYERS BENEFITS

An informational Website designed to describe the benefits available to Former NFL Players.

Click to view the site.

MY GOAL LINE

MyGoalLine.com is the only designated website for benefits in pro sports.

Click to view the site.

CARDINALS FAN CANCELS SEASON TICKETS IN RESPONSE TO LETTER

On April 5, the Arizona Cardinals sent an e-newsletter to season-ticket holders. The letter did not go over well with one Cardinals fan and season-ticket holder. Michael Baltazar, who says the fans are on the side of the players, responded by emailing the Cardinals...

Click to view the article.

AARP

Government Shutdown: Be prepared if there's no agreement on the budget

Click to view the article.

SOCIAL NETWORKS

Follow up with the NFLPA and happenings with the CBA here:

NFLPALegends on Twitter
NFLPA on FaceBook
NFLPA on LinkedIn

GRAY MATTERS: REWIRING THE AGING BRAIN

by Inside E Street for AARP

The brain is the command center of the body and it is more powerful than most people recognize.
Scientists once thought the brain loses cells as we grow older. Now research indicates that
the brain continues to produce new cells into our seventies. It also has the ability to change
shape by re-wiring itself. As science makes remarkable progress in finding ways to prevent
cognitive loss and forgetfulness, Inside E Street explores the aging brain and tells you what
you can do to stay mentally sharp.

Click to view the video.

April 8, 2011

CLASS ACTION

NFL Players Agree to Mediation Under Oversight of Federal Court

April 7, 2011

Washington, D.C. – The class of NFL players wrote to Judge Susan Nelson today, embracing
her recommendation to participate in mediation under the oversight of the federal court
of Minnesota.

Though the injunction to lift the owners' lockout remains under Judge Nelson's
consideration, the players took to heart her advice given during Wednesday's hearing that
the two sides should not delay to meet.

The players expressed their hope that mediation under court oversight will begin
immediately.

To view the letter sent by the Brady class to Judge Nelson, click
here
and scroll down.

Opening George's Mailbag

In an effort to engage more directly and substantively with NFL fans, George Atallah
will respond to several questions every Monday in his new mailbag feature on
www.nfllockout.com. While many of the questions
will likely focus on the business of the
NFL and the current lockout, it should be noted that the NFLPA renounced its status as the
union for NFL players and all discussions related to collective bargaining occurred before
the CBA expired on March 11th. NFL fans can send questions anytime to the email address
mailbag@nflplayers.com. Questions and answers
will be posted every Monday.

1) Question from P. Davis: Thanks for taking the time to respond. Andrew Brandt at
nationalfootballpost.com said that the cap portion of the $141M proposal was $114M. I
haven't seen that elsewhere. Can you confirm that? And I totaled the player expenses
(sal + ben) from Forbes for 2009, and it totaled $140M. That was when the cap was $124M +
the cam adj. If that $114M proposed cap figure is correct, does that mean that there was a
converse bump in proposed benefits?

Brandt also suggests that the owners were prepared to go up to $121M for that cap figure. I'm curious if anyone has plugged these numbers in at the team level to see how many teams would project over that cap figure and by how much. Would teams have to make several hard/disadvantageous roster decisions including cuts and restructures to get under the proposed cap number?

And that expense credit has been poorly described in the press. I take it the owner's are asking to broaden what can be counted as a credit. What could be counted previously, and what are they looking to add as credits in the future CBA?

And as a compromise on the 18 game schedule, has any thought been given to add 2 more bye weeks instead of additional games? It would expand the TV schedule/season, and give teams added rest/recovery, addressing the safety concerns both sides have.

George: Thanks for your email. Lots to unpack here.

Let me tackle the first question regarding the salary cap. The last time we had a salary cap, there were basically two numbers that comprised it: player salaries and player benefits. The benefits number was roughly $25 million. I can't get into the specifics of the actual numbers in this space, but I can point you to this post for a description of why what you're describing was a huge problem for the players. Players – not lawyers – plugged in the NFL's proposed numbers to see if they would work. Players would have had to take an unjustified reduction in pay if they would have agreed to that proposal.

To answer your question regarding the expense credits, the owners' initial proposal included a broad exclusion of costs that were never there before. There are long lists of credits that were counted under the last CBA, including things like stadium construction, NFL Network, etc. Under their initial proposal, cost credits would have incorporated things like professional fees, travel and other overhead. So, yes, in its most simple form, the owners asked to broaden what would have been counted as a "credit".

For the 18 game schedule or season, there was a point where the players proposed acceptable terms for an 18 game schedule that included much more than what you mention with regards to health and safety. The NFL basically said 'no' to that proposal. Over time and as more health and safety issues were being revealed, players said that they won't play 18 games.

Here are two critical posts that help explain the issues you raised:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/13/making-sense-of-the-financial-divide-between-the-two-sides/ and http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nfllabor-thenumbers

Thanks for your questions. Keep the dialog going.

Click to view more.

BENEFITS

Great News!

Due to the advocacy of the NFLPA Former Player leadership, the NFL owners have finally put in writing that they will continue the 5 year medical coverage for continuing veterans. The benefits were scheduled to end August 31, 2011.

HEALTH

What You Most Need to Know

by Patricia Barry for AARP Bulletin

You're a boomer. The milestone of your 65th birthday may be here or just over the horizon. But you know zip about Medicare. Do you need it? What does it cover? When should you sign up? Lots of questions — but don't panic. You can get your head around Medicare with this guide to what you most need to know.

Click to view the article.

Ibuprofen May Protect Against Parkinson's Disease

by Katharine Greider for AARP Bulletin

People who take ibuprofen two or more times a week are considerably less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who don't take the drug, according to a study published online March 2 in the journal Neurology.

The finding suggests this common over-the-counter painkiller (sold under brand names that include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin) may actually protect the brain against the degeneration that produces the symptoms of Parkinson's, including shaking, muscle stiffness and other difficulties with movement and coordination.

NEWS

Nolan Harrison Calls Richardson/Murphy Letter 'Absolute Nonsense'

by Dan Graziano for Pro Player Insiders

Earlier this week, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and Green Bay Packers team president Mark Murphy sent a letter to retired players detailing some of the benefits they would have received if the NFLPA had agreed to the league's March 11 proposal. As a former player, Nolan Harrison received the letter…

Click to view the article.

BUSINESS

IRS: Top 10 Tips for Tax Time

by IRS, for IRS.gov

Editor's note: This content is provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Consult your financial or tax adviser regarding your individual situation.

It's that time of the year again. The income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in the mail. Even though your return is not due until April, getting an early start will make filing easier. Here are the Internal Revenue Service's top 10 tips that will help your tax filing process run smoother than ever this year.

Click to view the article.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

For the lucky 32, the NFL is a league of their own

2011-03-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

By Sally Jenkins

Washington Post Staff Writer

Saturday, March 5, 2011; 1:48 AM

I am The Owner and I am a powerful man, a man of vast resources, someone to be reckoned with. And not just a powerful man, but a handsome one, too. Do you know how much money I have? Enough to sit astride my city like a colossus. Understand this: The truth is what I say it is. Why? Because I'm rich.

Also, I am handsome. Don't you think so? Try telling me I'm not. I'll be contacting the league negotiators. I bet I can make you say so.

The wonderful part of being The Owner is that I own things. I own so many things that it's given me the impression I own, well, everything. The biggest thing I own, of course, is my NFL team, which I particularly enjoy because it gives me the sensation that I own people. At the moment the NFL Players Association is trying to tell me I don't really own all the little men down on the field, that I only rent them for a price. But they will soon discover that they are merely "fungible assets" and "labor costs."

As I like to say to Peyton Manning and Drew Brees when they question my vast sense of ownership, "Son, do you need help reading a revenue chart?"

As The Owner, I rely on the gargantuan stream of NFL revenue, $9 billion a year, to help me own all of my other things. I personally made an average of $33 million in 2009 according to Forbes, but that is not quite enough to comfortably pay for all that I own - the boats, and planes, and mansions in Palm Beach and Aspen, and my vineyard, and so I am asking for more.

I own a black limousine with tinted windows, so that I can see out but you can't see in. I like to leave it running, even in the midst of an oil crisis, so the climate inside is just right. I enjoy controlling the climate. Why? Because I can. It makes me feel as though I even own the weather. Do you know what the temperature is? It's what I say it is.

As The Owner, I am far and away the most important person in the league. Proof of that is the fact that I am a billionaire. Do you know how I made my billion dollars? By being The Owner! All I had to do was sit in my Owner's Box, and the value of my franchise quadrupled over 10 years. In 1997 the average NFL team was worth $205 million. By 2007 it increased to $898 million, and all I did was watch! Lucky me! Of course, the luckiest ones are The Owners by birthright. Nine of us inherited our teams, like duchy.

As The Owner, I feel entitled to make the most money of anybody, ever. I really don't understand why players get 60 percent of the league revenue - I mean, after we Owners take the first $1 billion off the top. When players make too much money, it makes me feel that I don't really own as much as I should. It threatens my sense that I am a powerful man, a man of vast resources, someone to be reckoned with. And not just a powerful man, but a handsome one, too.

Whenever I doubt that, I check the tail number on my Gulfstream, and remind myself that as The Owner, I am recession-proof. In the worst economy in history, not one NFL team lost money! That's because 18 of us raised ticket prices in 2010, and do you know what? People paid it! They paid for stale popcorn and flat beer, and even bought "personal seat licenses." Which should tell you who really owns the seats: I do! Munificently, I am willing, in exchange for a hefty fee, to grant the temporary right to sit in them.

As The Owner, I am so supremely powerful that I can reduce entire cities to beggardom.

Not even the president of the United States is as powerful as me, because I have the power to stop play. It's a heady sensation to know that I have the emotions of an entire country on a string, which I can jerk at a whim. In Washington, The Owner can even bring senators and chief executives to helpless tears. Like Gordon Gekko said, "You're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy are you?"

Occasionally, I get the feeling that being The Owner hasn't endeared me to my neighbors. Some people don't understand how billionaires could demand an additional $1 billion in concessions from players whose careers last an average of just three years, and suffer an assortment of degenerative joint and brain injuries. Hey, I have my own health risks: last night at dinner I got a shrimp tail stuck under my fingernail and stubbed my toe on a Krugerrand.

A judge has even accused me of "harming the interest of the players" by trying to hoard TV money. That forced me to soften my stance in the labor dispute in the last 24 hours.

It turns out that insisting on an extra billion dollars for no other reason than I want it isn't going to fly in the court of public opinion, or of law. It's time to negotiate.

So now I'm only demanding an extra $800 million.

Whenever I doubt myself, I turn to my ultimate source of inspiration, the source from which I learned everything I know: DC Comics.

I leaf through the pages studying my mentor, the man I model my behavior after: Lex Luthor, the multinational industrialist and super-genius who seeks world domination through a series of clever business machinations.

As Lex Luthor once said: "We all have our little faults. Mine's in California."

I am such a genius at being The Owner that I can make people believe I own things I never actually paid for: stadiums, for instance. Jerry Jones, The Owner of the Dallas Cowboys, got the city of Arlington, Tex., to give him $325 million to jump-start construction of a new palace, and on top of that he charged fans "personal seat licenses" of up to $50,000 apiece to help pay for it. Taxpayers and ticket-buyers picked up most of the $1.2 billion tab, but guess who The Owner of the stadium is? Jones! And as The Owner, he made $143 million in 2009!

That sort of thing is why NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has predicted that NFL revenue will grow from $9 billion to $27 billion by 2025.
You know what that means, don't you? I will own more than ever. Soon you will answer to me, all of you. Because I am The Owner, a man of vast resources and one to be reckoned with.

Also, handsome.

NFL owners: 'Who needs $4 billion?' and other negotiating tales

2011-03-06T12:09:00.000-06:00

By Tracee Hamilton

Washington Post

Wednesday, March 2, 2011; 9:14 PM

The most ridiculous statement I've read this week came from Charlie Sheen. (In fact, most of the ridiculous statements made in America so far this week have come from Charlie Sheen.)

Sheen's statement was this: "Yeah, I am on a drug. It's called Charlie Sheen. It's not available because if you try it once, you will die. Your face will melt off, and your children will weep over your exploded body. Too much?"

Moammar Gaddafi called; he wants to know how to score some of that Adonis DNA.

The second-most ridiculous statement I've read this week came from Greg Aiello, the NFL's senior vice president of public relations, in the wake of Judge David S. Doty's ruling that the NFL was not, after all, entitled to collect as much as $4 billion from its television partners during a potential lockout.

Aiello's job is to sound the NFL's trumpet, but get a load of this: "Today's ruling will have no effect on our efforts to negotiate a new, balanced labor agreement."

Both Sheen and Aiello's statements are similar in that they are, in fact, completely nuts. The difference: Sheen is seriously disturbed; the NFL is just messing with us.

If, say, two days ago you were owed $4 billion dollars and now you're not, you're either making Charlie Sheen money - or you're going to bounce a few checks down the road. There is no question the NFL is flush, but owners were counting on that TV money to get them through the lockout in the style to which they've become accustomed - and if any was left, maybe they would keep paying assistant coaches and beer vendors.

The decision by Doty, who has been the overlord of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement since 1993, overturned a February ruling by special master Stephen Burbank. Doty will hold a hearing to determine if damages are warranted; the NFL, not surprisingly, will appeal.

But neither of those things will happen before 11:59 p.m. Thursday, when the CBA is set to expire. The two sides will continue to meet with federal mediators - distracting them from the more pressing matter of Sheen vs. CBS et al. But at least CBS can still make money off "Two and a Half Men" reruns - 11.6 million of you should be ashamed of yourselves for making Monday night's the most watched show of the evening. I don't know about you, but I'm not sitting through the 2010 Redskins season for a second time.

So the Day after Doty, with the deadline approaching, are we any closer to a resolution? Not really, no. The loss of what amounted to a lockout slush fund will hurt the owners, but it's more of a "Bill Gates misplacing his wallet" pain than a crippling blow.

Sadly, this thing could drag on longer than Charlie Sheen's rants. It could be a long summer.

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Let's not let the NFL spin machine talk down a great victory by De Smith and the NFLPA staff! This is what fighting for the rights of all players is all about. This is two huge victories for the legal team. The first was the American Needle case and now the TV Revenue case. Both have had major ramifications for the current CBA and have set the tone for the current bargaining sessions. Let's keep the pressure up, and the volume up, in support for the great job De Smith, Kevin Mawae, Cornelius Bennett and the NFLPA staff are doing fighting for all of us!

One Team

Nolan Harrison III

Sr. Director

NFLPA Former Players Services

Sen. Jay Rockefeller urges NFL should open their books the NFLPA

2011-03-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

ESPN.com: NFL

WASHINGTON -- The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is urging NFL owners to open their financial books to the players' union, arguing that will help resolve a labor dispute.

"Reluctantly, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to sort out this stalemate is for the owners and the league to answer the biggest sticking point: money," Sen. Jay Rockefeller wrote in a Washington Post opinion column on Friday. "What I'd like to see from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the owners is a simple display of good faith: Show the union your books. Don't keep secrets. If there are financial pressures that keep you from agreeing to the revenue-sharing plan proposed by the players, let's see the proof."

Rockefeller, D-W.Va., suggested that a neutral third party review the financial data, remove anything sensitive and prepare an assessment of the league's finances.

The NFL declined to comment on Rockefeller's suggestion, citing a request by federal mediator George Cohen that the two sides not discuss negotiations while they're in mediation. Those negotiations are scheduled to resume next week.

The league has previously said that the union, which has made similar demands, already has access to all relevant financial information.

The biggest sticking point between the two sides is how to divide about $9 billion in annual revenues. The current collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, and the union has said it expects a lockout to come as soon as the following day.

The NFL hasn't argued that it's losing money, only that it needs to keep a bigger share to finance costs such as stadium construction.

Rockefeller acknowledged that "some owners make significant investments while managing a professional sports team and I don't want to play down their long-term expenses and obligations. But the players deserve a good-faith effort to demonstrate that these expenses are real and not just an excuse."

He said that so far, he's kept a "hands-off" approach to the negotiations, aside from conversations on the status of the talks.

But he also said that Congress, "acting in the public interest, has to keep the NFL on track because of the great benefits given to the league by federal law and taxpayer funds and because of its impact on the nation's economy."

One key benefit that the NFL enjoys -- along with other professional sports -- is an antitrust exemption for broadcasting contracts. That exemption, which allows the NFL to sign TV contracts on behalf of all teams, helped to transform the league into the economic powerhouse it is today.

As to what the committee will do if the NFL doesn't provide the information, Rockefeller spokesman Vince Morris said that the senator is keeping all options open but is mainly focused on encouraging the two sides to sort this out themselves.

Gary Roberts, dean of Indiana University Law School in Indianapolis and an expert on sports, antitrust and labor law, said that whether an employer is required to open its books depends on what it argues during the collective bargaining process.

"If owners make representations that they're losing money or that they can't afford a certain term in the collective bargaining agreement, then they're obligated to prove their assertion," he said.

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In my personal opinion Gary Roberts said it best, and of course I'm not being biased being because he is representing Indiana University, the owners are obligated to prove why the players need to take a $1 billion pay cut, to prove why hundreds of thousands of people will be put out of work when there is a lockout, to prove how record viewership and $9 billion in revenue is not a successful business model.

Nolan Harrison III
Senior Director
NFLPA
Former Players Services

Former Players Message March 4, 2011

2011-03-05T11:40:00.001-06:00

March 4, 2011

We have had 10 days of mediation, and the CBA expiration deadline has been extended twice; once for 24 hours, and again for seven days. Former Players Board of Directors Chairman Cornelius Bennett, and Board of Director Jim McFarland have been in every mediation session advocating for the Legacy Fund, increased benefits, and pensions for all former players. Never have we had such a strong voice for former player issues at the bargaining table. As you know, this is the result of a unanimous vote by the Current Players Board of Representatives at the meetings in March of last year. We are now seeing the results of that vote, and I could not be more proud. We are truly one voice, one locker room, and one team. As you might also know, we won the television revenue case. Judge Doty on Tuesday reversed the previous ruling so that the NFL, as of today, cannot use those funds until they have a hearing to decide whether it will go into escrow or another remedy. The most important part is that the $4 billion cannot be used against us in the current CBA negotiations.

We held three national conference calls with our former players on Wednesday and Thursday of this week to make sure that everyone was up to speed on the issues surrounding the current CBA negotiations. We had unprecedented participation, and I anticipate more conference calls to keep you all updated and informed as we move forward in this process. One of the main issues we discussed was continuing the veterans' five year medical care benefit ending August 31, 2011. We should advocate that Commissioner Goodell state, both publicly and in writing, that he will not end those benefits that those vested players have earned. I've spoken to the NFL Alumni Association, to their credit, say that they will publicly support our position. Additionally, keep those petitions coming in for the Legacy Fund.

As you know, right now, solidarity is the key. Anything you see and read out there that is divisive and not inclusive of all players serves only one purpose - to undermine our goals of increasing the quality of life for all players.

One Team,

Nolan Harrison III
Senior Director
NFLPA Former Player Services

The NFLPA partners with Feed the Children for Super Bowl event in Dallas

2011-02-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

NFLPA Super Bowl Commercial, "Let Them Play"

2011-01-27T14:39:00.000-06:00

Do your part as a fan and help Block the Lockout.

To sign the Block the Lockout Petition and for more information, please visit http://www.nfllockout.com/.

NFLPA Former Players 2 minute update November 4 2010

2010-11-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

NFLPA One Team for the Cure Dallas Event Oct 15th

2010-10-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

NFLPA One Team for the Cure Campaign - Dallas:

Friday Celebration Event: One Team for the Cure and the Susan G. Komen Foundation will partner to celebrate the Dallas Race for the Cure with a reception on Friday, October 15, 2010 from 6pm -8pm, along with NFL PLAYERS’ licensee, School of the Legends (SOTL). The event will take place at Pappas Bros. Steak House (10477 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX 75220). Bradie James, the host for the event, has a team participating in the Race for the Cure the following day and we will also invite his race participants, Cowboys teammates, Former NFL Players, and other member of the NFL Family.

“Text to Give” campaign with the Komen Foundation: Text the word “Team” to 90999 to donate $10 towards Susan G. Komen Foundation breast cancer treatment and research.

The Truth About The NFLPA's Commitment to Former Players

2010-09-30T10:02:00.001-05:00

With so much misinformation and complete deception out there about what the NFLPA has, over the years, done for Former Players here is a one pager which should prove enlightning.

While we know there is much more work to be done, Legacy Fund and increase in Pension, the work done should not be ignored.

The NFLPA provides its players with the most generous retirement package in all of professional sports, including access to a Pension Plan, a Second Career Savings Plan (401(k)), an Annuity Program, and Severance Pay.

In 2007, the NFL contributed $216.3 million to the players’ retirement income plans, compared to $117.5 million in MLB, $34.3 million in the NBA, and $29 million in the NHL.

Total assets of the Second Career Savings Plan and Annuity Program have grown from $0 in 1993 to over $800 million and $340 million, respectively.

The NFLPA is constantly working to improve retired player benefits and access to these benefits.

The vesting requirement for the Retirement Plan has decreased from 5 years to 3 years.

The minimum monthly benefit credit has quadrupled since 1993, from $60 to $250.

Plan 88 was added to the CBA in 2007 providing eligible retired players with up to $88,000 per year for medical and custodial care resulting from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

In 2007, surviving widow and children benefits were tripled.

The deadline of 48 months to allow players to apply for Line of Duty disability benefits was increased to the greater of 48 months or the number of credited seasons earned.

Most players receiving Total & Permanent (T&P) disability will now only go through a continuation review every 5 years, as opposed to 3 years.

Players who took their NFL pension early, and therefore were ineligible to apply for and receive disability benefits, recently had the opportunity to apply for T&P disability.

The Gene Upshaw Players Assistance Trust Fund assists former players faced with catastrophic financial and health related issues by offering grants.
$8.2 million have been awarded to 1,328 retired players since the fund’s inception in 1990.

Established in 2007, the Player Care Foundation is designed to promote improvements in the health and well-being of retired players by providing services such as:

▪ Joint Replacement Surgery ▪ Discount Prescription Drug Card
▪ Cardiovascular & Prostate Screenings ▪ Assisted Living Assistance
▪ Spine Treatment Program ▪ Medicare Supplement Plan

The NFLPA takes an active role in facilitating the transition from life as an active player to life as a retired player through various educational initiatives and career programs, including:

▪ Tuition Reimbursement ▪ University of Phoenix Scholarships
▪ NFLPA Job Board ▪ Broadcast Boot Camp
▪ Career Opportunity Expo ▪ Educational Grants
▪ NFLPA Internship Program for Players ▪ NCAA Coaching Internship

My Response to Dave Pear's Blog

2010-09-16T22:37:00.000-05:00

Dave,

I've read your numerous posts and have had interaction with you before as a board director member of the NFL Players Association Former Players. In previous conversations I expressed to you that we are both trying to do the same thing and that is to do things for the betterment of Former Players. My attempts to try to reach you and to reach some kind of understanding were lost. Now a legitimate effort by DeMaurice Smith and the National Football League players Association to review your case has been trampled upon by your actions and words. It is unreasonable to expect that before a new collective bargaining agreement can be reached that a new disability plan can be put in place. The owners want to do away with the pension plan of the current players altogether, to make them take an 18% pay cut, and to increase the amount of games and damage their bodies take. All of your venom and attack have been at the NFL PA. It's interesting how there is not as much emphasis on the fact that it will take a new collective bargaining agreement to obtain any changes to the current disability plan. Changes which you think and you would have others believe are squarely in the hands of the NFL PA. That is simply not the case. I have read John Hogan's letter to DeMaurice Smith. There is no wrongdoing on the part of the NFL Players Association as it pertains to your case. The fault is with the current collective bargaining agreement disability plan. Not with any actions or lack thereof of the NFL Players Association. We have pledged to try to implement a new system of disability through the new collective bargaining agreement. That is something that DeMaurice Smith has spoken to us about as Board of Directors, Chapter Presidents, and members of the Players Association. Your attacks on the one institution that actually can do good for your cause is misguided, selfish, and destructive to everyone else who will have claims in the future. I have expressed to you my sympathies for the pain and suffering that this game has caused you. I and thousands of other former players who are just like you, suffer just like you, but do not choose to attack the NFL PA like you. Those thousands have decided to back the institution that has always been there for them. Not without mistakes, or misjudgments, but has always been and will continue to be there for them. This new NFL PA is not your enemy. No matter how much venom and misguided attacks you may throw our way. DeMaurice Smith's duty and my duty are to continue to fight for all current and former players’ rights and benefits. To create a system in this next collective bargaining agreement that will rectify the inadequacies that exists in the current agreement. The administration of today will attempt to correct the mistakes of the past. But we can only do that with the support of those of the past and the present. John Hogan spoke of my leaving before his presentation at the Independent retired football players’ summit. That was not of any disrespect for one disability attorney’s opinion. But because I have extreme confidence in this executive director, this players association, and this senior directors desire to make things better for all players.

While this might not be politically correct, to be honest with you, from reading your posts I don't believe that anything we do or say will be good enough for you. For example, we are advocating for a Legacy fund, that can help put money in the pockets of many former players and you attack that concept. Why would you attack the possibility that we could get the owners to repay the players what they owe? This is money that is owed to you and thousands of other players out there who participated in the building of this game but have not seen their benefits increase like the rise in value of the teams that they bled for. As I stated before, I will continue this fight along with the help of our elected leadership the NFL PA staff and our Executive Director until we have won. That is the only outcome that will be acceptable to me and to everyone that I'm associated with.

Nolan Harrison III

Senior Dir. NFLPA Former Players

LA Oakland Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers

Washington Redskins

1991 to 2001

NFLPA Former Players Board of Directors Chairman Cornelius Bennett responds to the NFL's George Martin/Roger Goodell benefits message.

2010-09-08T14:12:00.000-05:00

“We applaud the Commissioner's guarantee of the benefits our players fought so hard to obtain. He should also quickly guarantee the health care and benefits for all current players in the event of a lockout in March and commit the Owners to provide $1M to a legacy fund to improve former player benefits. Current and former players stand as ONE.”

NFLPA legend Nolan Harrison recently participated in a literacy event for youth in Detroit

2010-09-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

This was an outstanding experience and it shows what union and community leaders can do for our families and especially our children.

My NFLPA guest column piece on the Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic: Reconnecting for a Cause

2010-07-21T11:26:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I got an opportunity to participate in the second annual Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic. It was an outstanding event held in conjunction with the Tahoe Forest Health System and Gene Upshaw’s widow, Terri Upshaw. The NFL Players Association was the title sponsor for the event for the second straight year.

Click the link above to see more...

My former teammates, HOF'ers Tim Brown and Marcus Allen

TBI, 18 Games, Health and Safety... Oh My!

2010-07-21T11:08:00.001-05:00

In this edition of NFLPA TV we talk about TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury protection with a new helmet concept, the extra two game controversy, and some great stories from our players plus some bloopers just for laughs. Click on the link above.

Enjoy!

I will be speaking at the American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees International Convention

2010-06-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

I will be in Boston on Sunday to speak to 1,500 of our brothers and sisters at the American Federation of State County & Municipal employees. The event will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center 6PM Sunday evening. Here is information about this great union...

AFSCME's 1.6 million members provide the vi...tal services that make
America happen and advocate for prosperity and opportunity for all
working families.

We are nurses, corrections officers, child care providers, EMTs and
sanitation workers. For us, public service is not just a job, it's a
calling. At times we are right out front, and at other times we are
behind the scenes. Wherever we are, we're proud to take on the
responsibility of helping to keep this country strong.

AFSCME is a union made up of a diverse group of people who share a
common commitment to public service. We see the big picture and gladly
accept the responsibility of guarding and nurturing it - not because we
expect to be recognized for our sacrifice, but because we know the job
needs to be done. That's why we're in the public service - to keep our
families safe and make our communities strong.

While we work for justice in the workplace, we advocate for prosperity
and opportunity for all of America's working families. We not only stand
for fairness at the bargaining table - we fight for fairness at the
ballot box and in the halls of government.

I am looking forward to the event!

Ask The Expert: Former NFL Player Nolan Harrison III

2010-06-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

Ask The Expert: Former NFL Player Nolan Harrison III

Check out the latest episode of NFLPA TV

2010-06-11T19:13:00.000-05:00

NFLPA ups the lockout ante Union's action Wednesday looks shrewd and serious, and should give the owners pause

2010-06-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

In my opinion this is the greatest example of why DeMaurice Smith was an outstanding choice by the players of the NFL Players Association to lead them into the future! One of the best labor union moves in recent history! One Voice, One Locker Room, One Team!

Congressional Forum - Head Injuries and the NFL hearing in New York City.

2010-06-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I had an opportunity to appear on CNN American Morning a couple of Mondays ago. After that appearance I testified in New York City at a Congressional forum on head injuries chaired by Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. Top NFL officials were also in attendance giving a report on their "progress" in developing policies to deal with head trauma in the NFL. The video has some pretty powerful personal statements and intense grilling by the Council members.

Congressional Forum - Head Injuries in Football on Vimeo.

NFLPA 2 Minute Update: Get Involved

2010-05-23T21:27:00.000-05:00

In this video I talk about how our current and former players can get involved with our 34+ NFLPA chapters across the country. Additionally, I cover some of our social media outlets.

A video worth revisiting. California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez Throws a Yellow Flag on the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell

2010-05-19T22:04:00.001-05:00

A champion for former players health benefits, California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez breaks down her findings at a congressional hearing directed at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Of particular interest is the exposing of the long-standing NFL position concussions as evidenced by a video showing then NFL Dr. Ira Casson denying any link between concussions and traumatic brain injury.

HARRISON'S IMPACT

NFLPA takes its case to the classroom, talks about lockout with law students

Former Players Message April 15, 2011

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Trust (PAT),

NFL Player Benefits

NFL Player Care Foundation

NFLPA FORMER PLAYERS BENEFITS

MY GOAL LINE

DEMARCUS WARE SHOWS LEADERSHIP

HOW TO GET THE LIFE YOU WANT

LEGENDS REVENUE OPPORTUNITY

READ ACROSS AMERICA

SOCIAL NETWORKS

CLASS ACTION

Quote from Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers

Former Player DC Chapter President Ray Schoenke Speaks Out

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

University of Michigan Depression Center

VQ OrthoCare® Offers NFLPA Former Player Members the Opportunity to Live Without Knee Pain

GotProHealth NFLPA Member Discount Program

HEALTH

Power up your workouts: It's workout season -- here are some high-tech suggestions to facilitate your fitness plans

Deciding to exercise is the first step. The second? Enlisting your brain

NEWS

Meanest Budget Cuts

BUSINESS

Money 101 Lesson One: Setting Priorities

The Smokescreen That Hides the Truth

NFLPA Former Players Message April 8, 2011

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Trust (PAT),

NFL Player Benefits

NFL Player Care Foundation

NFLPA FORMER PLAYERS BENEFITS

MY GOAL LINE

CARDINALS FAN CANCELS SEASON TICKETS IN RESPONSE TO LETTER

AARP

SOCIAL NETWORKS

GRAY MATTERS: REWIRING THE AGING BRAIN

CLASS ACTION

NFL Players Agree to Mediation Under Oversight of Federal Court

Opening George's Mailbag

BENEFITS

Great News!

HEALTH

What You Most Need to Know

Ibuprofen May Protect Against Parkinson's Disease

NEWS

Nolan Harrison Calls Richardson/Murphy Letter 'Absolute Nonsense'

BUSINESS

IRS: Top 10 Tips for Tax Time

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

For the lucky 32, the NFL is a league of their own

NFL owners: 'Who needs $4 billion?' and other negotiating tales

Sen. Jay Rockefeller urges NFL should open their books the NFLPA

Former Players Message March 4, 2011

The NFLPA partners with Feed the Children for Super Bowl event in Dallas

NFLPA Super Bowl Commercial, "Let Them Play"

NFLPA Former Players 2 minute update November 4 2010

NFLPA One Team for the Cure Dallas Event Oct 15th

The Truth About The NFLPA's Commitment to Former Players

My Response to Dave Pear's Blog

NFLPA Former Players Board of Directors Chairman Cornelius Bennett responds to the NFL's George Martin/Roger Goodell benefits message.

NFLPA legend Nolan Harrison recently participated in a literacy event for youth in Detroit

My NFLPA guest column piece on the Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic: Reconnecting for a Cause

TBI, 18 Games, Health and Safety... Oh My!

I will be speaking at the American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees International Convention

Ask The Expert: Former NFL Player Nolan Harrison III

Check out the latest episode of NFLPA TV

NFLPA ups the lockout ante Union's action Wednesday looks shrewd and serious, and should give the owners pause

Congressional Forum - Head Injuries and the NFL hearing in New York City.

NFLPA 2 Minute Update: Get Involved

A video worth revisiting. California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez Throws a Yellow Flag on the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell

Power up your workouts: It's workout season -- here are some high-tech suggestions to
facilitate your fitness plans