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 …read more

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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 …read more

The NFL Player Advisory Council I eluded to a few days ago is now official. A press release from the league office today confirmed that six members were selected by the National Football League Players Association — safety Donovin Darius of the Jacksonville Jaguars, fullback Tony Richardson of the Minnesota Vikings, center Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts, linebacker Takeo Spikes of the Philadelphia Eagles, wide receiver James Thrash of the Washington Redskins, and free-agent safety Troy Vincent, who is also president of the NFL Players Association. The Player Advisory Council will meet regularly throughout the year with Commissioner Goodell …read more

As scheduled, Commissioner Roger Goodell met with NFL bad boys Pacman Jones and Chris Henry today. There was really no news to report from the proceedings — no punishments were announced — but in its wake, news of a Player Advisory Committee surfaced. Commissioner Goodell and the NFL Players Association recently decided to form this committee (it all started back at the Combine) to meet regularly and pore over the issues that concern each side — league officials on one side and the players on the other. Members will most likely include Indianapolis C Jeff Saturday, Philadelphia LB Takeo Spikes, …read more