With warring factions wrestling for control of the NFL Players Association, some players recognize that the timing for a tug-o-war isn’t ideal.

In Houston, multiple members of the Texans are worried about where this all will lead.

“I think that was irresponsible of [Ravens kicker Matt] Stover to go public with that,” said defensive end N.D. Kalu, according to the Houston Chronicle.  “And I know he said he didn’t mean for it to go public, but it just rubbed me the wrong way, because we weren’t all told about it. . . .  I mean, the owners and whoever we negotiate against, they are probably sitting and laughing.  Because we can’t even agree on one thing, and [the owners think], ‘They are going to try to negotiate with us?’  And that’s what the owners do.  That’s why they are all billionaires.”

Kicker Kris Brown, the Texans’ player rep, echoed these concerns.  “I don’t agree with where this thing is going,” Brown said.  “I think it could have been handled better.”

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t have time to discuss this [before it was made public].  I’m always available, and guys can always contact me.  I’ve already visited with guys this morning, and I’m sure I’ll talk with more in the next few days.”

There’s a belief in some circles that the issue of efforts to oust Executive Director Gene Upshaw came to light on Tuesday because the union announced on Monday the promotion of Clark Gaines to the job of Assistant Executive Director — the position that former NFLPA president Troy Vincent supposedly coveted (and, according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports as of March 19, was supposedly getting).

Meanwhile, the NFLPA appears to be trying to persuade the rank-and-file that the current leadership of the union is doing a good job.  In an item dated April 10, 2008, the union crows about an arbitration victory regarding workers’ compensation benefits.  An arbitration victory from last fall.