Getty ImagesAs expected, the NFL Players Association has re-appointed executive director DeMaurice Smith to a second term. The NFLPA announced the development on its Twitter page.
Originally hired in 2009 from a field of four finalists, Smith faced no opposition this time around. Despite scattered rumors that a faction of the NFLPA Executive Committee planned to nominate an alternative candidate, and in the face of an overt effort by sports lawyer (and now NFL Coaches Association executive director) David Cornwell to encourage a closer look to be taken at Smith’s work, Smith’s job never was in jeopardy.
The move comes only a week after multiple reports emerged regarding the salary cap possibly being lower in 2012 than it was in 2011, with the union’s agreement to allow the league to strip $46 million in salary-cap space from the Cowboys and Redskins serving as the bargaining chip that kept the team-by-team spending limit from being in the range of $116 million for 2012.
Instead, the number climbed from $120.375 million to $120.6 million. Though, as a practical matter, unchanged from 2011, it’s far better than having the number drop only eight months after a new labor deal was finalized.
If the number had indeed dropped, Smith undoubtedly would have faced a challenger this week.
The next question becomes the duration of the contract. In 2009, Smith wanted a four-year deal; the union leadership insisted on a three-year arrangement. With the cement still hardening on the CBA, a short-term deal aimed at giving union leadership a chance to take a thorough look at the benefits and detriments of the labor agreement could be prudent at this juncture.
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Hopefully this is his last term. Foxworth should be ready to take over in 4 years.
These players are just stupid. Didn’t they just watch what happened just last week.
Smith went behind their backs and made a deal with the NFL that doesn’t benefit them in the long run so that he could save his job.
Weren’t they thinking at all?
I think the first thing Mr. Smith should do since he has been rehired is to call Drew Brees and explain to him why his coach got suspended. I thought Brees went to Purdue and can read. The report that the NFL put out went into detail the reasons behind the suspensions but the arrogance of Brees and his coach must not be able to understand it.
Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Are the players really that dumb? De Smith is a disaster!
Why isn’t Troy Vincent doing this job yet?
Well deserving for Mr. Smith. He’s been a good guy for all parties involved.
$36million will get anyone re-elected.
De digs this development
blanchonegro says: Mar 22, 2012 11:42 AM
Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Are the players really that dumb? De Smith is a disaster!
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Yes they are. They pay cash bonuses for getting other players carted off while harping on receiving max benefits when they retire.
theyre football players. most arent the brightest bunch. much like the rest of the country… “the problems we face today are here because the ones working for a living are outnumbered by those voting for a living”
“NFLPA re-appoints DeMaurice Smith” …on the backs of the Redskins and Cowboys. What a friggin’ joke! #HTTR
So … Impeddy Dimp the P!mp with the getgo lids is back on the street. He’s useless.
this guys mouth really creeps me out!