Union Asks Congress to Help NFL Players Win More Disability Claims

By | September 19, 2007

  • September 20, 2007 at 8:11 am
    OakRaidFan says:
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    Go to this link for some perspective:

    http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-davepear091807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

  • September 20, 2007 at 8:13 am
    The Reaper says:
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    Wow, another union looking to the government teet for help. This is something the union has to handle with the NFL. They sure as hell have the money. And of course, John F’n Kerry is there to help.

  • September 20, 2007 at 10:12 am
    lastbat says:
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    So what about current workers’ compensation law is preventing the NFL from treating injuries directly relatable to the work? I’m not seeing something here; I don’t understand why Congress should get involved with this.

  • September 20, 2007 at 11:19 am
    a says:
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    All the players seem to be asking for is the ability to control the pension & disability fund that they created. Why let the NFL owners deny claims on a 3-3 vote? For that matter, why are the owners involved in this at all?

  • September 20, 2007 at 12:08 pm
    The Reaper says:
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    Hey “a”,

    It’s called a “collective barganing agreement” for a reason. The whole system, for better, or worse, was created by the owners and players union. The players knew going in exactly what their payroll/injury situation was. I agree the retired players are entitled to something for their injuries, I’m just opposed to the government getting involved.

  • September 20, 2007 at 1:32 am
    Football Fan says:
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    The Reaper is right on target.
    If the players think they are being screwed now what do they think will happen to them if Congress gets involved.
    Perhaps they could put a 10% tax on the “bling” of the current players to finance better coverage.

  • September 20, 2007 at 1:38 am
    Deane says:
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    Agree w/you they’re entitled to whatever benefits were negotiated, but there shouldn’t be any subsidies from anyone else including WC. These guys CHOSE to pursue a career knowing the potential for serious injuries and knowing their career was very limited. They don’t deserve lifefime benefits for “working” (or was it just playing the game they love)for 5 or ten years. Most people find it hard to retire after 30 years.

  • September 20, 2007 at 2:48 am
    SP says:
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    Gotta agree with Deane. Most players reap in 10 years more that you & I will make in our lifetime. Someone should have taught them the art of investing in the future while they got paid for “playing”

  • September 20, 2007 at 2:54 am
    Saints Fan says:
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    If they put a 10% tax on “bling” then there should be a tax on country club memberships, private jets and mistresses for the CEO set too.

  • September 20, 2007 at 3:57 am
    Nebraskan says:
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    I hope in my next life i come back as a kicker for the NFL….it’s about the only profession (besides baseball) where you can make millions and be fat and loved for it.

  • September 20, 2007 at 6:38 am
    Amanda says:
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    When I was reading this article I knew someone would complain about how much football players make, but the people who are hurting the most right now are the people who played before big contracts and people who got injured early in their career and only got paid for the short time that they played. If Deion Sanders was one of the players complaining about this I would have problem, but for the players that played in the 60’s and 70’s, I do have sympathy for since most of them had to work “normal” jobs during the off season b/c they were not paid huge grantee contract like they have now in the NFL.

  • September 21, 2007 at 7:53 am
    Saints Fan says:
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    Great point!

    Back then it was more about heart and true love of the game. I think players love the game now too but with all that money dangling in your face then hey get all you can get now for the long term damage you’ll suffer later on. Look at sports like boxing (Muhammed Ali) and wrestling (they pay their own way and their own med too).

  • September 21, 2007 at 9:24 am
    Chris says:
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    The involvment of Congress is minimal. The NFLPA doesn’t want money, but a change in the law to allow another union voting member.

    “The players’ union is asking Congress to change federal law so it has more power on the retirement board that reviews disability claims. Under current law, the union can only name three retired former players to the board. NFL owners appoint the other three representatives.”



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