Comments on: Smith Shares Vision For Current and Former NFL Players at Super Bowl Press Conference

By: Former Packers Skeptical Of Their Place In New CBA | Cheesehead TV

Former Packers Skeptical Of Their Place In New CBA | Cheesehead TV — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:57:52 +0000

[...] in particular, has visibly appealed to alumni, such as at this past year’s Super Bowl press conference and in other public forums, but the retirees have been hesitant to buy [...]

By: Steve Wright

Steve Wright — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:44:46 +0000

I’m faithful in our new leadership w/ DeMaurice and suggest we all do our part to let the younger guys know who we are, make opportunities to associate with them at “their” NFLPA meetings which we can all be apart of. They don’t know us and we don’t know them, why? We’re all brothers in this and we can take it upon ourselfs to reach out to these younger guys and show them who they will be before long, a cool retired guy that deserves a larger piece of the pie.

Just a thought to close the gap.

By: Jim F

Jim F — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:01:49 +0000

IF the owners were to contribute 2% is that before or after their tax manuvering? Second, how much would that be say…. before tax using the 2008 season (I assume the ‘09 numbers will be out later this year). Third, is this just for medical or would there actually be an increase in the sad pension (comparable to other major sports)? We went on strike in ‘87 and got what Gene wanted – free agency, most of us were more concerned with pension and medical but were ignored.

By: Cody Jones

Cody Jones — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:32:30 +0000

I just want to say, I hope Mr. Smith’s bite is twice as big as his bark.

By: Jimmy Thomas

Jimmy Thomas — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:26:03 +0000

I just want to say thanks to Mr. Smith.

By: Bob Grant

Bob Grant — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:16:37 +0000

Director Smith has been wise enough to include us as Independents, since May of 2009, in discussions regarding changes that must be considered. Many see us, wrongly, as “wild men and trouble makers.” I would include in that misinformed group most of the Presidents of the NFLPA Retired Chapters as well as the Members of the Retired Players Steering Committee.

I assume that this announcement of firing Groom means that they are absolutely, completely, totally out of NFLPA business and that they are not going to be paid a penny more.

“De” has started work on a few of the planks that he and I first discussed back in May of 2009. Still there is much, much more that needs to be done because the FOUNDATION set up for Retired Players by the NFL and the NFLPA is rotton and replacing IT is what is needed and is what we as INDEPENDENT ADVOCATES are going to push for until we have a new and solid foundation in place.

The old model set up for Retired Players inside of the NFLPA has to go. It is obviously too late for many of us because we will not be among those who live to see Justice and Reformation through. “Revolution ain’t pretty.” Hopefully De is a Revolutionary who is truely willing to remain open, as Upshaw never was.

We as Independents are not going to sit back, go to golf tournaments, raise money for everyone but ourselves, tolerate our good men being denied deserved disibility, accept a pension arrangement that is shamefully less than Baseball’s, allow all who have stolen money from us to get away with it and allow our Brothers who played 1, 2 and 3 years to not receive a pention.

One way or another we are going to win our fight for Retired Players be it in the Courts, Congress or the Media.

I hope that the Director will continue with needed changes and that he will also continue including the Independent Leaders in the discussion.

Bob Grant
Independent Activist/Advocate
Parrish Team Member
Ret Balto Colts-Wash Redskins

By: Cody Jones

Cody Jones — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:25:56 +0000

Players, both active and retired, I would like for you all to go to Fourth And Goal Unites . Com, read the material there. Mybe this hole situation can be cleared up, facts founded out, questions asked, truth bought to light, and real essences of this dilemma uncovered. I, like hopefully everybody else am interested in the hole truth, and nothing but- the truth. Lets all be patient in not rush to judgement but, investigate to our own satisfaction.

By: Chidi Ahanotu

Chidi Ahanotu — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:35:23 +0000

Gentleman, I have to say, I had the pleasure of meeting&talking at length to Demaurice Smith at the Players Party and I am truly inspired by this man. Had the chance to express to him my 2 year efforts in trying to get developed an official NFL Players annual Retirement Ceremony. D loved the idea and I am excited at the possibility that this much needed annual retirement ceremony is officially initiated and created to bring all players the closure and recognition they sorely need when their careers come to an end. Demaurice has Great energy and genuine care about OUR union & its players, former and current. Let’s all look forward to a great 2010. Be Blessed

Chidi Ahanotu
VP NFLRPA Tampa Chapter
‘93-’04
Bucs, Rams, Bills, 49ers

By: Ron Davis

Ron Davis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:47:28 +0000

DE Smiths focus on former players is outstanding.He is cutting through all of the distractions to make real change .As a Chapter President , I support his initiatives and so do my chapter members – Ron Davis President of the NFLRP Philadelphia Chapter

By: Ron Davis

Ron Davis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:47:28 +0000