AN NFL Civil War is Looming
By: Turner Sports Desk
The south will rise again might be the new catch phrase for NFL
veterans that will likely rebel against Gene Upshaw and their fellow
players on the highest end of the pay scale. The subject of this civil
war is the rookie salary structure. Gene Upshaw’s stance (therefore the
official stance of the NFL players association) is that rookies should
go for as much money as they can get because it gives veterans leverage
when they are due for a big payday. The players on the southern end of
the pay scale are the left with smaller paychecks and decreased
opportunities because of this stance so they are rallying for some
changes. This has all of the makings of a major civil war within the
NFLPA.
The argument from veteran players is that each team has a limited sized
pie and the rookies are taking up too much of the pie especially when
they have yet to take an NFL snap. Does anyone believe Matt Ryan’s
first contract should have him making more money than Peyton Manning
and Tom Brady? Some players are for keeping the rookie salaries high
but these are players who are already at the high end of the wage
scale. Most players are not at that end of the scale so this has all
the makings of a giant civil war that will likely change the way the
NFLPA works.
Gene Upshaw has been in trouble ever since the Hall of Fame players
most notably Mike Ditka started complaining about how the NLFPA treats
the retired players. A lot of Upshaw’s comments angered even current
players. Upshaw has since toned down his rhetoric but their has been a
steady under current of discontent with regard to him and his stance on
rookie salaries.
The bottom line is the NFL owners are willing to go to the mat on this
issue and they are going to have a lot of veteran players on their
side. Gene Upshaw happens to be drawing a salary from the paychecks of
those veteran players so when the boss wants change it is not a good
time to stay the course. Where have I heard that before? A rookie
salary scale is the 3000 pound gorilla in the room and both parties
would be crazy to have a work stoppage when they both agree that rookie
salaries are out of control.
I think this game will end with a rookie salary scale and a changing of
the guard at the top of the NFLPA. What do you think?