NFL Collective Barganing Agreement

[ScriptOhio]

Goodell on rookie pay: 'There's something wrong'

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said it's "ridiculous" to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts and wants the issue addressed in contract talks.
"There's something wrong about the system," Goodell said Friday. "The money should go to people who perform."
Goodell referred to Michigan tackle Jake Long's five-year, $57.75 million contract -- with $30 million guaranteed. Long was the first overall draft pick by the Miami Dolphins in April.
"He doesn't have to play a down in the NFL and he already has his money," Goodell said during a question-and-answer period at the end of a weeklong sports symposium at the Chautauqua Institution. "Now, with the economics where they are, the consequences if you don't evaluate that player, you can lose a significant amount of money.
"And that money is not going to players that are performing. It's going to a player that never makes it in the NFL. And I think that's ridiculous."
Goodell said he favors lowering salaries offered to rookies, but allowing a provision for those players to renegotiate their deals after proving themselves on the field.
His statement was greeted by a long round of applause from the estimated crowd of 2,000 inside the amphitheater.
Speaking to reporters before his appearance, Goodell said he plans to open negotiations with the players union on a revamped labor deal this fall. He's listened to concerns from all 32 owners in meetings over the past month.

Entire article: ESPN - Goodell on rookie pay: 'There's something wrong' - NFL

 

[LitlBuck]

That is some very innovative thinking to hold the salaries down until the player proves himself on the field. I thought that was how most companies in the United States operated. You start out at a beginning wage for your position and as you prove yourself you get promotions. Let's see if the NFL Players Association goes along with this innovative thinking.

 

[ScriptOhio]

That is some very innovative thinking to hold the salaries down until the player proves himself on the field. I thought that was how most companies in the United States operated. You start out at a beginning wage for your position and as you prove yourself you get promotions. Let's see if the NFL Players Association goes along with this innovative thinking.

You would think that they would; since it would mean a larger % of the salary cap money for the veteran players, etc. I think the rookie salary structure for the NBA works pretty well; however, football is a different sport, careers are shorter, agents get involved, and/or players at certain positions (like QBs, etc.) usually make more than other players, so who knows?

 

[LitlBuck]

You would think that they would; since it would mean a larger % of the salary cap money for the veteran players, etc. I think the rookie salary structure for the NBA works pretty well; however, football is a different sport, careers are shorter, agents get involved, and/or players at certain positions (like QBs, etc.) usually make more than other players, so who knows?

I know you would think that they would be in favor of it but they seem never to be in favor of anything that reduces any players salary. In addition, since the owners have said that they will not renew the current CBA in 2010 all hell is going to break loose anyhow and we will probably have another scab season.

 

[C-busBuck]

I know you would think that they would be in favor of it but they seem never to be in favor of anything that reduces any players salary. In addition, since the owners have said that they will not renew the current CBA in 2010 all hell is going to break loose anyhow and we will probably have another scab season.

Alright! Let's watch Keaneau Reeves play QB again!! He was out of tOSU in that film!!

 

[ScriptOhio]

Alright! Let's watch Keaneau Reeves play QB again!! He was out of tOSU in that film!!

Yeah baby, bring on Shane Falco. Now there was a real "replacement" QB.

 

[osustamm]

"Whoa"

 

[ScriptOhio]

Goodell wants a do-over; fans want some answers

Chris McGrath/Getty Images
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is making the 2011 season seem like a remote possibility.

Righteous Roger is at it again.
That would be NFL commissioner Roger Goodell -- ownership mouthpiece, Pacman Jones probation officer, destroyer of Sypgate evidence. The more Goodell talks, the less I think there will be an NFL season in 2011.
Did you see The Associated Press story on Goodell's recent appearance at a sports symposium? The highlights:

? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it's "ridiculous" to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts, and wants the issue addressed in contract talks.

Let me get this straight: Goodell's owners are the ones handing out those Publishers Clearinghouse checks to NFL newbies, but they want the players' union to keep them from spending more?

? "There's something wrong about the system," Goodell said. "The money should go to people who perform."

Of course there's something wrong with the system. And it's the owners' fault. You don't get a negotiating mulligan just because you got out-maneuvered by the union.

? Goodell referred to Michigan tackle Jake Long's five-year, $57.75 million contract -- with $30 million guaranteed. Long was the first overall draft pick by the Miami Dolphins in April.

"He doesn't have to play a down in the NFL and he already has his money," Goodell said. "Now, with the economics where they are, the consequences if you don't evaluate that player, you can lose a significant amount of money. ... And that money is not going to players that are performing. It's going to a player that never makes it in the NFL. And I think that's ridiculous."
So, Roger, you think Long is going to be a bust? The Dolphins don't, which is why they signed him before draft day. And during Long's introductory news conference, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland actually praised and thanked Long's agent for his help during the negotiations.

"This is about picking the best football player, in my opinion," Ireland said. "I think that's what we've done here. The economics do come into it, but that's not part of the discussion for today."

Buyer remorse? Doesn't sound like it.

? Goodell said he favors lowering salaries offered to rookies, but allowing a provision for those players to renegotiate their deals after proving themselves on the field.

His statement was greeted by a long round of applause from the estimated crowd of 2,000 inside the amphitheater.

None of those applauding were drafted out of college, had their job rights owned by a team/employer not necessarily of their choice, could be traded to another employer without their consent, could be severely injured on the job, and could be cut at almost anytime.

? Goodell said the key need is to have the NFL Players Association appreciate the financial challenges owners face with rising stadium construction costs and a faltering economy. Those issues were not anticipated in the previous collective bargaining agreement, which provided players a 60 percent share of the league's gross revenue.

"As our costs increase outside of player costs, that other 40 percent ... squeezes the margins and just makes it financially unworkable," Goodell said. "There has to be some more recognition of the costs."

Does that mean Goodell will be taking a pay cut on that estimated $11 million-plus salary? Didn't think so.

And how about some recognition of the fans' costs? A single ticket to a Chicago Bears game can run anywhere from $68 to $350. Plus parking. Plus whatever obscene amount a concession stand beer goes for these days.
And I don't hear Goodell mention how financially unworkable PSLs (personal seat licenses) can be for a working stiff. If you're a New York Giants season-ticket holder, it will cost you anywhere between $1,000 to $20,000 in just-imposed PSL fees to keep your seat when the new stadium opens in 2010. And according to a New York Times story, those PSL average figures are below market value.

What a scam: pay a four- or five-figure fee so you can pay for tickets that were already yours.

Entire article: ESPN - Goodell wants a do-over; fans want some answers - Columnist

 

[BuckWrestler141]

I'll feel bad for Animal and Jenkins if this goes into effect before next year.