National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) announced today that attorney DeMaurice Smith has been named the new National Football League Players Association Executive Director. NFLPA Player Representatives, acting on behalf of the 32 NFL teams, selected Mr. Smith to succeed the late Gene Upshaw, who died in August. Mr. Smith becomes only the third Executive Director in NFLPA history and will serve a three-year term. He made the following statement regarding his new assignment:

“I’m humbled by their decision. I’m honored and proud to lead a great group of men. I think we understand the challenges that face us but we also understand the strength of our unity.”

The search for the new Executive Director began shortly after Mr. Upshaw’s death, when Acting Executive Director Richard Berthelsen, NFLPA President Kevin Mawae (Tennessee), and Executive Committee members Domonique Foxworth (Baltimore), Tony Richardson (New York Jets), Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis), Mike Vrabel (Kansas City) and Donovin Darius, were appointed to the Search Committee. Reilly Partners, an executive search firm based out of Chicago, was then hired to assist the Committee in its search. The NFLPA’s constitution requires that the Executive Director be elected by a majority of the members of the Board of Player Representatives. Mr. Smith was unanimously elected to the position.

Mr. Smith was selected from among three other finalists for the Executive Director position: former NFLPA Presidents Trace Armstrong and Troy Vincent and sports attorney David Cornwell. The four finalists were given the opportunity to speak directly to the 70 Player Representatives and Alternates in attendance during hour-long presentations on Saturday. They then met with Player Reps in smaller break-out sessions this morning before the official election took place in the afternoon. NFLPA President Kevin Mawae also made the following statement regarding today’s announcement:

“The Board of Player Representatives made a decision today that will chart the course of this organization. This decision is a legacy decision. It is one that will unify and strengthen the National Football League Players Association.”

Here’s a quick bio on Mr. Smith. He’s a trial lawyer and litigation partner at D.C. law firm Patton Boggs. He has defended individuals in high profile criminal cases and Congressional investigations while also representing Fortune 500 companies in criminal and complex civil cases, compliance matters, and internal investigations. He’s a former assistant U.S. attorney and previously served as counsel to then Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder in the U.S. Department of Justice. He graduated from Cedarville University and received his law degree from the University of Virginia. Mr. Smith is married with two children and will begin his term with the NFLPA immediately.

Source: NFLPlayers.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

DeMaurice Smith Named NFLPA Director

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

At 37-years-old, Denver Broncos safety John Lynch is returning for his 16th NFL season. And he’s confident he will once again secure a starting spot in Denver’s defensive secondary:

“My mind-set is I’m going to be first string. That’s the only way I can look at things. I’ve always been of the mentality that you don’t think negative thoughts. There’s competition. All I wanted was an assurance that I’d be given every opportunity to earn a job as an every-down player. Whether that happens or not, I don’t know. They brought in a lot of guys. I welcome it.”

John is coming off a season in which he earned his ninth Pro Bowl appearance and there are no indications that the guy is slowing down. Sure, the Broncos spot-replaced him last season with Domonique Foxworth and they recently brought in free agents Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree for depth, but John Lynch is still the starting free safety for the Denver Broncos.

Source: Denver Post

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

John Lynch Welcomes Competition

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.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Player Reps Want Rid of Gene Upshaw

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae was elected president of the NFL Players Association today. As a 14-year veteran and someone who has been on the union’s executive committee for the past six years, Kevin’s a great choice. He’ll replace Troy Vincent, whose term recently ended and who last played for the Buffalo Bills before retiring. Kevin called his election by the player representatives an honor with serious issues looming, referring to the the collective bargaining agreement:

“The players are well informed of the potential cancellation of the CBA by the owners. They are committed to doing what it takes to preserve our game ….. That is of most importance, because the players need to know what they are facing and also how to react. In the end, it goes back to educating players of our past, how we’ve accomplished what we’ve gotten and having a plan for taking care of our business.”

The union also elected Domonique Foxworth of Denver, Drew Brees of New Orleans and Mike Vrabel of New England as new members of the executive committee. Re-elected were: Brian Dawkins (Philadelphia), Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis), Mark Bruener (Houston), Tony Richardson (Jets), Kevin Carter (Tampa Bay), Keenan McCardell (free agent) and Donovin Darius (free agent).

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Kevin Mawae Named NFLPA President