Canadian Bills Fan Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Just got the alert on my phone https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/1778690/nflpa-exec-advising-players-to-plan-for-work-stoppage-of-at-least-1-year Hope it doesn't come to this 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeF Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 5 minutes ago, Canadian Bills Fan said: Just got the alert on my phone https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/1778690/nflpa-exec-advising-players-to-plan-for-work-stoppage-of-at-least-1-year Hope it doesn't come to this Just when the Bills are starting to show what looks like long term competitiveness....guess the Bills just have to win the next two Lombardi's in a row..... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatdrought Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Definitely worrisome to see this from the leader of the worker side essentially saying "we're going big and I don't want anyone caving early cause they're out of money." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locomark Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 7 minutes ago, JoeF said: Just when the Bills are starting to show what looks like long term competitiveness....guess the Bills just have to win the next two Lombardi's in a row..... This also allows Mr Brady to take a year off and possibly show up again.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Oh, Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick. This is just DeMaurice covering his @ss and advising agents to, you know, do their jobs and actually provide some financial advice to their 20-something year old CLs who have never seen money like this before. It would be irresponsible not to tell players there is a "possible" work stoppage since the CBA ends after the 2020 season, but by no means do I read this letter to suggest Smith thinks there will be a stoppage. 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prissythecat Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 The earliest any type of strike could happen would be 2021. Can the NFL still field replacement players these days? I have found memories of the strike during 1987 season . There were even entertaining nicknames like LA Lambs, Counterfeit Bills, , Rhinestone Cowboys, Chicago Spare Bears, Seattle Sea-Scabs, New Orleans Saint Elsewhere? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 (edited) 9 hours ago, Locomark said: This also allows Mr Brady to take a year off and possibly show up again.... What's another couple years to TB12? Edited May 29, 2019 by PromoTheRobot 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Hindsight Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Did anyone tell Lamar's mom? 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Just a shot across the bow during negotiations. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 16 minutes ago, whatdrought said: Definitely worrisome to see this from the leader of the worker side essentially saying "we're going big and I don't want anyone caving early cause they're out of money." Yeah, they are already going in with the mindset that they will have to have a work stoppage to try and get what they want. Wonder if the owners are in the same place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locomark Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Just now, Captain Hindsight said: Did anyone tell Lamar's mom? She put a note in his lunchbox....right after she cut the crust off his PB&J.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 22 minutes ago, whatdrought said: Definitely worrisome to see this from the leader of the worker side essentially saying "we're going big and I don't want anyone caving early cause they're out of money." 5 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said: Just a shot across the bow during negotiations. 5 minutes ago, matter2003 said: Yeah, they are already going in with the mindset that they will have to have a work stoppage to try and get what they want. Wonder if the owners are in the same place? I'm sure it's just a case of the union wanting to get the word out to the owners, the players are ready to sit out for an entire year so watch out, we mean business. We're not caving!! The problem for the players though is it's not just sitting out and losing a years salary. I'd estimate every year maybe at least 200 new players take the place of vets (say an average of 5 draft picks + 1 FA X 32 teams makes the team) so for those 200, not only are they sitting out a year, but some will never again see a check signed by Roger. You'll have another entire rookie class coming in. Take a guy like Lonzo if it were this coming year, would he want to lose his last potential pay check. It's hard to strike in a career business that lasts an average of three years! As for the owners, other than the desire to win the Super Bowl, they're probably just looking at all the money they will save in salaries. Where the issue really comes in is all the people working in tickets sales, assistant to the assistant equipment mangers admin, will they then lose their jobs. They could strike until Tom Brady's son is ready to enter the NFL and still be filthy rich. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyDays Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 It won't happen. The NFL is doing better than ever. No one wants to walk away from that money and kill the market's trend line. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 This will never happen and they'll also fold again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 56 minutes ago, eball said: Oh, Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick. This is just DeMaurice covering his @ss and advising agents to, you know, do their jobs and actually provide some financial advice to their 20-something year old CLs who have never seen money like this before. It would be irresponsible not to tell players there is a "possible" work stoppage since the CBA ends after the 2020 season, but by no means do I read this letter to suggest Smith thinks there will be a stoppage. ...he is just protecting his brethren....cash is tight......even questionable as to whether the NFL does provide a "decent living wage scale".....in the immortal words of Latrell Spreewell, "I got a family to feed"...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malazan Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Demaurice Smith is a poor union head. Last time he tried to negotiate in bad faith by not negotiating on a host of issues then sue the league which he then lost lawsuit after lawsuit on those issues. Players won't prepare..again...and he'll have his arse handed to him in negotiations...again..because he's short sighted. This is another bad idea because it tells the owners (who don't rely on league profits in most cases) just how long you can survive if it gets to that point.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoTom Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 1 hour ago, eball said: Oh, Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick. This is just DeMaurice covering his @ss and advising agents to, you know, do their jobs and actually provide some financial advice to their 20-something year old CLs who have never seen money like this before. It would be irresponsible not to tell players there is a "possible" work stoppage since the CBA ends after the 2020 season, but by no means do I read this letter to suggest Smith thinks there will be a stoppage. Agreed. This is nothing more than posturing. The letter is written to the players, but the message is aimed at the owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 3 minutes ago, jeremy2020 said: Demaurice Smith is a poor union head. Last time he tried to negotiate in bad faith by not negotiating on a host of issues then sue the league which he then lost lawsuit after lawsuit on those issues. Players won't prepare..again...and he'll have his arse handed to him in negotiations...again..because he's short sighted. This is another bad idea because it tells the owners (who don't rely on league profits in most cases) just how long you can survive if it gets to that point.. .....empty suit has certainly milked his gig....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florida Bills Fanatic Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 This is SOP for any responsible labor union. It has nothing to do with sending a message to the owners about being difficult during negotiations. With the salary cap growing each year, the players and owners are making a ton of money. With this much money available and players careers having a limited shelf life, I doubt that a strike or lockout is in the cards. In addition, there are new tv and internet streaming contracts to be negotiated soon which will bring more revenue to the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Idiots. Don't they understand that the game of football is focused on the officials adjudicating the arcana of the rulebook, and they as players are incidental to that purpose? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 2 minutes ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said: This is SOP for any responsible labor union. It has nothing to do with sending a message to the owners about being difficult during negotiations. With the salary cap growing each year, the players and owners are making a ton of money. With this much money available and players careers having a limited shelf life, I doubt that a strike or lockout is in the cards. In addition, there are new tv and internet streaming contracts to be negotiated soon which will bring more revenue to the league. LOL.....kinda like the "pot callin' the kettle black"...BOTH sides are guilty of legalized extortion from TV networks, corporate sponsors, etc.....and the average fan is forgotten road kill....the greedy get greedier....... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GETTOTHE50 Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 looks like someone read art of the deal. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 2 hours ago, eball said: Oh, Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick. This is just DeMaurice covering his @ss and advising agents to, you know, do their jobs and actually provide some financial advice to their 20-something year old CLs who have never seen money like this before. It would be irresponsible not to tell players there is a "possible" work stoppage since the CBA ends after the 2020 season, but by no means do I read this letter to suggest Smith thinks there will be a stoppage. 1. how is that clown still head of NFLPA? players gonna get played...again,. 2. agents don't manage players money, they maximize it. They aren't there to tell how to spend it or save it. Not their job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 I mean - what are the things they would want? It feels like they barely practice as it is currently, so i'm not sure how much they can scale that back. More retirement benefits? Better insurance for life after football? Better salary minimums? The cap is structured around the revenue splits - they have a salary floor (barely) so teams can't tank salaries for a year. The only thing i can think is the franchise tag - but the owners like the tag. Getting rid of that you have to give something back like UFA status after 4 years for example. 2nd/3rd rounders would then be RFAs for a year or something, or you would expand 5th year options to those players as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 2 hours ago, whatdrought said: Definitely worrisome to see this from the leader of the worker side essentially saying "we're going big and I don't want anyone caving early cause they're out of money." Because that's what has always happened. Smith, who I don't particularly like, is looking out for his constituents (and his own future with the NFLPA). 2 hours ago, Locomark said: She put a note in his lunchbox....right after she cut the crust off his PB&J.... @Gugny (aka Crusty) says that the crust is the best part of the bread. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 2 hours ago, Locomark said: She put a note in his lunchbox....right after she cut the crust off his PB&J.... But the crust is the best part! ...wait.....I may be in the wrong place.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aristocrat Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 It’s gonna be about the gambling and weed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 2 minutes ago, aristocrat said: It’s gonna be about the gambling and weed. That will be on the list, for sure. I don’t think the NFL really cares about weed, but they won’t hand it over without a concession on something else. NFL Radio today was talking about how they want to get going on the CBA. They need that to be done and solid so they can work out the best possible coming TV deals and other revenues sources. Give up some leverage if your product is uncertain. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoTom Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 32 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said: (aka Crusty) says that the crust is the best part of the bread. It is, assuming it's crusty bread, like Italian or French. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatdrought Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 37 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said: Because that's what has always happened. Smith, who I don't particularly like, is looking out for his constituents (and his own future with the NFLPA). @Gugny (aka Crusty) says that the crust is the best part of the bread. Im sure he is looking out for them, but I doubt player wellfare is his greatest motivator in this statement. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call_Of_Ktulu Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 This would suck for us because if this team gels and dodges the injury bug I think they are easily playoff bound. 2020 would be the year that we would probably make a push for a SB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Goat Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 3 hours ago, JoeF said: Just when the Bills are starting to show what looks like long term competitiveness....guess the Bills just have to win the next two Lombardi's in a row..... This isn't hyperbole. Remember the Montreal Expos? The one year they finally looked like contenders, the strike ended their season -- and essentially their franchise. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 1 hour ago, dneveu said: I mean - what are the things they would want? It feels like they barely practice as it is currently, so i'm not sure how much they can scale that back. More retirement benefits? Better insurance for life after football? Better salary minimums? The cap is structured around the revenue splits - they have a salary floor (barely) so teams can't tank salaries for a year. The only thing i can think is the franchise tag - but the owners like the tag. Getting rid of that you have to give something back like UFA status after 4 years for example. 2nd/3rd rounders would then be RFAs for a year or something, or you would expand 5th year options to those players as well. Umm... they want a bigger piece of the pie. It's all about money. Obviously. I'm assuming they also want to do away with the rookie wage scale, franchise tag, fifth year option on rookie deals, and anything else that limits a player's potential earnings. They probably also want to take away the commissioner's monopoly on player discipline. NFL players actually get a smaller percentage of revenue than players in many pro sports leagues. I personally don't care one bit about all that stuff, as long as they line up and play on Sundays. I have no dog in the fight. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 34 minutes ago, whatdrought said: Im sure he is looking out for them, but I doubt player wellfare is his greatest motivator in this statement. ? Don't disagree entirely, but, for the players to get what they want they have to be willing to wait out the owners. They can't wait as long as the billionaires, but, if they can make them hurt a bit, including in public opinion, they stand a better chance. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orlando Tim Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 6 minutes ago, MJS said: Umm... they want a bigger piece of the pie. It's all about money. Obviously. I'm assuming they also want to do away with the rookie wage scale, franchise tag, fifth year option on rookie deals, and anything else that limits a player's potential earnings. They probably also want to take away the commissioner's monopoly on player discipline. NFL players actually get a smaller percentage of revenue than players in many pro sports leagues. I personally don't care one bit about all that stuff, as long as they line up and play on Sundays. I have no dog in the fight. i do not think that most of the players fight to hard on the rookie salary slots- the slots only hurt a handful of players each year and most guys probably resent a rookie who would be guaranteed 80 million without any production especially in a salary cap league. i would think they would fight hard for a bigger piece of pie overall and to limit Goddells power. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protocal69 Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 1 hour ago, dneveu said: I mean - what are the things they would want? It feels like they barely practice as it is currently, so i'm not sure how much they can scale that back. More retirement benefits? Better insurance for life after football? Better salary minimums? The cap is structured around the revenue splits - they have a salary floor (barely) so teams can't tank salaries for a year. The only thing i can think is the franchise tag - but the owners like the tag. Getting rid of that you have to give something back like UFA status after 4 years for example. 2nd/3rd rounders would then be RFAs for a year or something, or you would expand 5th year options to those players as well. If I was the players I would want more guaranteed contracts especially at the lower salary tiers, being able to use medical marijuana for pain, % of gambling revenue, and to your point better salary minimums. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsfaninChicago Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) Hopefully this is just gamesmanship. I tend to hear these types of doom and gloom predictions from both sides whenever there is another labor dispute. Would be just our luck though to finally have a playoff or even super bowl caliber team and then have a protracted work stoppage. Edited May 29, 2019 by Leonhart2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 4 hours ago, eball said: Oh, Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick. This is just DeMaurice covering his @ss and advising agents to, you know, do their jobs and actually provide some financial advice to their 20-something year old CLs who have never seen money like this before. It would be irresponsible not to tell players there is a "possible" work stoppage since the CBA ends after the 2020 season, but by no means do I read this letter to suggest Smith thinks there will be a stoppage. It’s also leaked like a day after PFT wrote an article saying all’s good and the owners must have won big if they seem fine giving a little more this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 This is a leverage play (already). There won’t be a work stoppage. Both sides are going to try to get a bigger piece of the pie. Neither side will let a stoppage happen. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 1 hour ago, aristocrat said: It’s gonna be about the gambling and weed. As well as other drug suspensions. The question is will the players who do not partake being willing to lose salary to help those who do? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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