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In the wake of Tuesday’s news that Ravens kicker Matt Stover is leading the charge in connection with the potential replacement of long-term NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene Upshaw, a league source has shared with us some additional details, which suggest that there has been a falling out between Upshaw and former NFLPA president Troy Vincent.
Vincent stepped aside as president of the union, due to the fact that he’s no longer an active player. And the source says that Eagles safety Brian Dawkins was Vincent’s hand-picked choice to succeed him. But Dawkins didn’t get the votes.
As a result, turmoil exists. “There are warring factions in the NFLPA,” the source said. “Brian Dawkins . . . would have tried to endorse Troy replacing Gene. Gene protected himself by getting [Titans center Kevin] Mawae in and further pushed Troy away.” (And this perhaps explains Mawae’s statement of support for Upshaw.)
Indeed, with rumors swirling that Vincent would be named the Assistant Executive Director, Upshaw launched into his No. 1 and No. 2 tirade, insisting that there would be no No. 2 because No. 2 always wants to be No. 1. The source believes that Upshaw was talking about Vincent.
Indeed, we’re told that the union quietly has appointed Clark Gaines to the No. 2 position that Vincent had targeted.
Stay tuned. This once could get interesting. More interesting.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I am somewhat befuddled by the actions of the players that hold some position in the NFLPA. With a potential lockout just a couple years away, why force out the one man who has the experience to weather the coming storm?
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April 9th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I would expect as much from a union. Just like a political dictatorship, unions build in ways to assure a succession they approve. (note” see also Vladamir Putin)
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April 9th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Clearly, this is all in the best interest of current, past and future players. Sure.
Being an Eagles supporter for years, I’m familiar with Troy Vincent and believe he could become an outstanding advocate for the players. He has all of the credentials for the position.
Another example of Upshaws strong arm, me first attitude.
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April 9th, 2008 at 10:00 am
There isn’t much evidence that Upshaw has done a good job up to this point. Upshaw himself implied that since the owners are going to opt out of the CBA, he must have made a good deal for the players. But this is nonsense; SINCE the owners are going to opt out, the deal is worthless.
Upshaw’s great “deal” for the players is akin to funny money on the end of a free agent contract. Looks nice on paper, but it ain’t happenin’.
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April 9th, 2008 at 10:14 am
And to think I used to respect Gene Upshaw. Hey Upshaw, look on the bright side… if you get the boot, it looks like Detroit is gonna need a new mayor soon…
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April 9th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Because his experience is not necessarily useful or constructive. While the players made out well in the last talks, the advantage is really in total dollars and not in average per-player money. The union has been working hard to make the elite players and rookies super-wealthy - a group that constitutes what, ten percent of the union’s membership? When it comes to what one might think of as “traditional” union concerns - health care for the members post-employment, raising the average salary, favoring more experienced employees over new Flavor of the Month types - it’s hard to make an argument that the average player has gotten maximum benefit.
The most amazing bargain in the NFL is the 4-8 year veteran non-megastar. You can get them for the minimum, they know what they’re doing, they’re a known quantity, and you can cut them tomorrow if you need to. I would think those are the guys that want union support.
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April 9th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Having been a Teamster in Chicago for 9 years, and a union steward for 3 of them, none of this surprises anyone here. I am sure there are a lot of folks that wish Gene would take a Hoffa-like exit its not going to happen. The players as well as the owners have all profited emensly during his tenure. Now if it was just dumb luck or the result of his efforts, knowledge and leadership abilities (none of which are part of a figurehead union prez) everyone benfited during his time in office and still are. These are typical union moves and anyone who is familiar with unions shouldn’t be acting so surprised. This will all work itself out…and to echo a quote i saw a couple weeks ago on PFT, this is one of the strongest unions in the country. You dont think they’ll be able to police themselves internally? And I dont mean thru paper trails, most likely public opinion will be gained by players voicing their thoughts and a group think situation resulting…
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April 9th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Grimlock, the reason some players (and seeming most of the people on this site) want Upshaw out is because they don’t feel he has the best interest of the league in mind. As joepinion said, working out a deal that is so good for the union that the owners can’t keep it doesn’t solve anything.
He is the representative of the union, and he should work to get a good deal for them, but within reasonable terms. What good is the union if it refuses to work with the owners on a fair deal for everyone? You could argue that the owners aren’t being reasonable, and that may be true, but right now nothing is being accomplished. Upshaw’s stonewall stances and posturing are definitely not helping.
We can’t know for sure what Vincent or anyone else will do, but it is pretty clear that Upshaw isn’t doing a good job.
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April 9th, 2008 at 11:10 am
The only way this mess will get sorted out is if the players push leadership to change it. That means all the players need to get involved. Most seem to sit around and let things happen. They have to MAKE it happen.
‘hamilton’ made an excellent point: The mid level players aren’t the ones who’ve tasted the gravy, it’s the stars and rookies who’ve really cleaned up.
I’ve always thought the term ‘contract’ in the NFL was a joke. Why not call it what it really is? A Conditional Work Agreement. Ownership signs a document that essentially says, “I’ll pay you thus-and-so until I don’t want to anymore.” The guaranteed money is just an inducement to get the player to ink the document.
Yeah, I know. They make more than us. That’s their world. They have, what? On average, a 5-7 year career, then move on to the real work world for the most part. Not many become media stars or product endorsers, etc. We work for perhaps 25-40 years in our jobs/fields.
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April 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Sorry VDogg, I don’t think they’re able to police themselves internally because of the transitional nature of football itself. How many of these guys, as they come out of college, are entering a full-time job for the first time in their lives? How many guys are just trying to survive in the sport, ya know, just trying to secure a roster spot? Since the league has far more of those guys scratching and clawing to get or stay in the NFL than it does superstars, do you seriously think these guys are gonna do anything other than “keep their head down” and “keep their nose clean”, so as not to piss off the wrong people?! Until such a time as more of the well-known veterans make their voices heard, the rest of the players are just gonna continue to be part of the herd.
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April 9th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I follow your point Deuce, and I do agree with you on the transitional nature, but it seems like folks are becoming tired of Upshaw and we have begun hearing the grumbling from folks (veterans) who have voiced their opinions in opposition to Upshaw. The younger guys just entering the league at this time will see the veterans speaking up and becoming more involved. Unlike the last decades worth who have just stood by and tried to secure roster spots. Hopefullythe ones who are worth it will follow the leaders on their respective teams in this particular fight as opposed to the fight that inevitably ensues after they “make it rain”…
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April 9th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Upshaw should have been gone years ago.
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