NFL wins again with deal players didn’t have to make now
More money, more jobs, and more for retirement.
Those are the kind of things negotiated in most union contracts, and the union that represents NFL players got them in the new deal that ties the NFL and its players together for the next decade.
But more work, too? Who would negotiate that?
That’s what a lot of NFL players must be wondering after a vote to approve the new collective bargaining agreement barely squeaked past members. The vote revealed a deep schism among players when it came to the centerpiece of the agreement — a 17th regular season game in exchange for owners throwing a few more financial crumbs their way.
There’s no such schism progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
Not so pleased are some of the NFL’s elite players, who already have big salaries and weren’t looking for more work.
“It seems like player safety has a price tag,” 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman said at the Super Bowl. “You know, player safety up to the point of, hey, 17 games makes us this much money. So they really don’t care how safe we are.”
Not safer than before, that’s for sure. A 17th game not only increases the chance of injury, but adds wear and tear to bodies that struggle to make it through the season intact as it is.
Yes, players do get fewer practices in pads and one less exhibition game.
There are more jobs — and more money — for those who stay healthy.
And retirees make out better, too, with larger pensions and more players included in the pension pool.
But this was a deal that didn’t need to be made, at least right now. There’s still another year left on the current pact, and plenty of time to twist the arms of owners.