Player Reps Want Rid of Gene Upshaw

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover has started a campaign to oust NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw. Apparently, Matt emailed a plan of action to fellow player reps to have a new union boss in-place by 2009. In his email, a copy of which was somehow obtained by ESPN, Matt said, in-part:

“I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately. I believe we have the proper environment with our teammates and leadership within the board to execute the process of this selection.”

As far as I know, only Denver Broncos DB Domonique Foxworth has openly come out in support of Matt, but there are others. In a statement released by the Ravens today, Matt said the email was private and not intended for public consumption. What I can’t imagine is why any player would want to get rid of Gene before his term is over. I think he’s been a great asset to the union. Union president Kevin Mawae continues to support Gene, saying:

“Matt Stover’s letter does not reflect the view of the entire executive committee or the board of player representatives. The board is in the process of preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage and understands the importance of having Gene, with his experience and history, lead the direction of the NFLPA.”

It would be interesting to find out the numbers of players who are for or against Gene. His contract runs through 2010 and he has vowed to see the players through their upcoming (next year) labor negotiations with NFL owners.