NFLPA Elects New Executive Director
Posted March 15th, 2009 by RetiredPlayersThe NFLPA has elected a new executive director. After presentations by Trace Armstrong, David Cornwell, DeMaurice Smith, and Troy Vincent on Saturday, NFLPA player representatives had question-and-answer sessions with the candidates on Sunday. Hillard Heintze Strategic Security Advisors performed background checks on the candidates and reported the results to the player reps. Following the question-and-answer sessions, each candidate had a chance to present a fifteen minute closing argument to prove they were deserving of the position.
The vote was taken and KMH LLP, a Honolulu accounting firm, tallied the votes.
New NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith
Patton Boggs attorney DeMaurice Smith was elected as the NFLPA’s executive director. Smith needed 17 of the 32 player representatives’ votes to be declared the winner. He reportedly received the majority vote on the first ballot.
Smith was called an outsider to the football world and a long shot candidate by some. After winning the majority vote on the first ballot, Smith obviously proved to the player reps that he has what it takes to lead players into the next round of collective bargaining.
Retired players should be willing to give Smith a chance to heal the currently fractured relationship between the union and retired players. This is the first opportunity for that to happen in a very long time.
Update: DeMaurice Smith was elected by a unanimous vote to the executive director position.
Second Update: Profootballtalk.com is reporting that Smith received 20 of 32 votes. Troy Vincent received six votes. The remaining six votes were split between David Cornwell and Trace Armstrong. A motion was made to make the outcome unanimous and the motion carried.
Mr. Smith is hereby invited to attend the Upcoming Independent Retired Players Summit in Las Vegas on May 29-31 2009.
We will give him floor time to speak on whatever he would like to and we will be fair and civil with him.
Bob Grant
ANY CHANCE OF US OLD TIMES GETTING AN INCREASE IN RETIREMENT BEFORE WE ALL DIE OFF?
THANKS
I am elated! DeMaurice Smith is by far the most qualified candidate. While he never played in the NFL, what he brings to the position is a wealth of experience in negoiations, business, and a deep understanding of the political landscape in Washington. In addition, he has a dynamic personality, tremendous energy and enthusiasm and above all he is tough. He understands fully the current issues facing our union, the difficulties he will face with the upcoming CBA, and the concerns of all retired players. We are very fortunate to have him as our leader and I encourage all of us, both active and retired players to welcome and support him.
Why are we having two functions going the same time? The NFLPA Alumni in Palms Springs and the Independent Retired Players Summit in Las Vegas both the last of May 2009 ?
You might recall that the NFLPA is the organization that was found guilty of breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract for over 2000 retired players, and that their long time leader referred to them as “dog food”? Other than a round of golf in Palm Springs, why would any retired player who is concerned about improving disability, pension and health benefits for retired players bother? Come to Vegas and you will actually learn something – not just socialize.
Who is the contact person and where can I submit application for getting help with my medical bills? I had surgery this week for partial amputation of toes. I will need a nursing care facility or at home health care. I am a diabetic, have hip replacement, heart problems, and high blood pressure, weak kidney, take 9-10 meds and am unble to buy nutritional foods because of the high costs of meds. Thank you.
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He understands fully the current issues facing our union, the difficulties he will face with the upcoming CBA, and the concerns of all retired players.