Union says no to 18 games
Though its unclear whether the NFLPA continues to posture on the issue in the hopes of getting the best financial deal possible, the unions position on an expanded season is getting more and more clear.
In late January, NFLPA president Kevin Mawae said he cant sell an 18-game season to his constituents. At a time when a feeling had emerged that the union would acknowledge the pie-growing benefits of two more regular-season games, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith says that expanding the season from 16 to 18 games wont happen.
Speaking at the unions Washington offices during an event arranged jointly with 106.7 the Fan, Smith was categorical that the union wont agree to the change, according to Jim Trotter of SI.com.
First of all, the league has never presented a formal proposal for 18 games, Smith said. But more importantly, its something that our players dont want. Eighteen games is not in the best interest of our players safety, so were not doing it.
Even if Smith is merely posturing, it will now be difficult for him to backtrack at a later date. It will be just as difficult for Commissioner Roger Goodell to stick with a four-game preseason after trashing consistently the quality of the games and expressing a strong desire to cut the full-price exhibition season in half.
Of course, after the union decertifies, the league will be able to play as many games as it wants to play. Barring a major reversal, decertification and litigation is where were headed.
"Mike Florio" wrote: