Trust But Verify - NFL's own Glasnost

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Trust But Verify - NFL's own Glasnost

Trust but Verify - the Opening with the Commissioner on Retired Player’s RightsWe are being encouraged by the Union to be cautious with Commissioner Goodell as he meets with former players in all 32 cities. This by a players association that has not allowed former and current players to ever meet in a safe, unpressured environment so that accurate historical information and present reality is learned calmly and dispassionately, unfiltered by those who might have personal agendas.We will of course be cautious, but we will not prevent a dialogue with someone who will hear our needs and respond to them with more open space for honest, unintimidatable (if there is such a word) dialogue that honors equally all sides.

Since 1994-5, $1 Billion has been diverted from a pension plan that benefits all the players to one that has only gone for "post career" (read retirement/pension) benefits of current players. And these are for rights players in the 70's and 80's struck and sued for and secured with zero help or sacrifice (they were simply not playing yet) of current players.

Be cautious? Be cautious also to see this transparently: This is not saying that current players wouldn't see this more clearly if they could meet with former players in a calm and safe environment without intimidation or implied or real threats from leadership. If there could be a safe dialogue, many of these issues would soften and naturally and progress. And it wouldn't be made at a snail’s pace, but in a way that respects the urgency of this issue and addresses the outrageous amnesia regarding the truth.

What truth? There have been no increased benefits for those players who struck and sued during the 80's and redefined (according to ESPN's NFL Hall of Fame journalist John Clayton most recently) collective bargaining permanently in the new fundamental terms of % of Gross and Free agency.If the two post career/retirement funds were rejoined, all pension benefits would double, current players would still get increased benefits to match their still hugely and consistently increasing salaries, and the deserved justice we seek would be attained, restoring nobility for all.

Most importantly, the game itself, the worlds best sport, a game that embodies strategy, grace, speed, power and physical courage better than any, would be the better for it.