Steelers MMQB: NFL Offseason News
By Kim Myers
Who wants to head the players union?
Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith speaks during a press conference at Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
In 2009, after the unexpected death of former Executive Director of the NFL Players Union, Gene Upshaw, DeMaurice Smith was unanimously elected by player reps. This weekend, the players union leaders are going to vote on a new Executive Director when nine candidates, Smith included run for the position.
The NFLPA has a lot of reasons to not want Smith in office anymore. The NFLPA still has a combative relationship with the league office and Roger Goodell that isn’t all that helpful, the league revenue is raising higher and higher and isn’t exactly reflected in players’ salaries, the league hasn’t really taken any real or tangible steps to help protect players’ health and post-career benefits, and Goodell is still a big old creep who wants to suspend at will with no rhyme or reason.
Here’s hoping the newly elected executive director of the NFLPA actually does something to benefit the players.
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