One of the reasons it’s hard for us, as fans, to pick a side in the NFL vs. NFLPA debate is that there are so many issues involved. On the one hand, you may support the owners proposal for a rookie wage scale. On the other hand, you may disagree with their resolution on benefits to retirees.
How Important Is 18-Game Season Proposal In CBA Negotiations?
The main issue, though, has been how to split the money. There’s $9 billion up for grabs and the owners want more while the players generally want to keep things the way it is now.
One issue that we may have understated is player safety, particularly as it pertains to adding two regular season games to the schedule. Andrew Brandt notes this in his latest labor post at National Football Post:
While participating in ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” last week with player representative Jay Feely, it was clear to me that the health and safety issue among players cannot be overstated. Feely harped on the fact that 300 players were placed on injured/reserve in 2010 and the cumulative wear and tear of the brutality of the game. He also gave me a sense that the players may be fighting the 18-game schedule even more than the revenue split.
The NFLPA also issued a report at the end of the regular season that injuries -- and severe ones at that -- were increasing. Last June, SB Nation interviewed NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and he said the healthy and safety of the players is their No. 1 priority. Clearly, the players’ safety, especially an 18-game season, is near the top of the list.
The problem is that it doesn’t seem anyone likes the NFL’s proposal for an “18 & 2” format to the season.The players publicly have said they don’t want it and the fans prefer other proposals. The owners, though, appear set on adding 18 games. This may be one of the underrated issues involved between the two parties
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