A Difference of Opinion

[RickFromFowler]

Only MLB has anti-trust exemption.

And I don't think its fair to say that "most" executives haven't earned their spots. The corporate ladder is extremely competitive and cut-throat.. and relationships and networking are part of the game -- same as 40 speed and 225lb reps are part of the NFL game.

[MIDave]

The difference is the average worker in America can be replaced tomorrow, more importantly, they can go to another employer and find employment doing the same type of work.

That's a good point - that I was ignoring TRRW.

Looking at the whole nfl as the employer, you're right. The Arena league isn't exactly anything that could be remotely considered as competition.

But we're making this out as though it's one of the largest labor unjustices in our society. If it's that bad, why not strike until you get a better deal that includes guaranteed money, better disability etc? If it's that bad, they shouldn't have a hard time winning public opinion... Why does the Players Union leave guys like Walker alone to twist in the wind against the NFL/GB? If there's a union, why does each player have to fight these unjustices alone? If it's that bad, why don't they get it fixed - for all of their benefit?

These guys agreed to work under this system. Why?



Peternorth had a great point too. As for college players, I couldn't agree more. Those are the guys getting completely screwed. When you consider the incredible amount of money they generate for universities/ncaa and the potential for career ending injuries before their careers even start - it's lunacy that they don't get compensated in any way. Yes, they get a free ride in college - which I would have died for - but that's nothing compared to what they risk.

[Sparty2QP]

I am 100% in line with Rick on this one.

As far as Favre. They are bringing in a backup for him to mentor, and basically running him out of GB. Here, train this guy to be as good at what you do as you are, so we can force you to retire.

Farve said no. As far as Walker, I think Favre should step up, be a man and admit that he owes the guy. Maybe not toss him cash, but go on a limb for him and put some pressure on GB to make things right with Javon.

[The_Real_Right_Way]

That's a good point - that I was ignoring TRRW.

Looking at the whole nfl as the employer, you're right. The Arena league isn't exactly anything that could be remotely considered as competition.

But we're making this out as though it's one of the largest labor unjustices in our society. If it's that bad, why not strike until you get a better deal that includes guaranteed money, better disability etc? If it's that bad, they shouldn't have a hard time winning public opinion... Why does the Players Union leave guys like Walker alone to twist in the wind against the NFL/GB? If there's a union, why does each player have to fight these unjustices alone? If it's that bad, why don't they get it fixed - for all of their benefit?

These guys agreed to work under this system. Why?


Peternorth had a great point too. As for college players, I couldn't agree more. Those are the guys getting completely screwed. When you consider the incredible amount of money they generate for universities/ncaa and the potential for career ending injuries before their careers even start - it's lunacy that they don't get compensated in any way. Yes, they get a free ride in college - which I would have died for - but that's nothing compared to what they risk.

I argree with you on two points. First the college players are certainly not compensated equitably with regard to the revenue they generate for the universities. Yes a scholarship is something but come on. That is a debate for another thread.

Secondly, While I agree that this isn't a large labor injustice that warrants enormous public outcry, I do believe that the players are in a lose-lose situation with regard to how they deal with it.

Realistically, they won't strike because the outcome would be devastating. When they strike unlike the normal laborer, they can't go out and get a job doing the same work.(back to my original point) So the owners have them over a barrel.

With regard to the effectiveness of the union, again this is totally different. Most labor agreements in the real world impact the larger body of members equally and universallly with regard to wages. The NFL is different as each player must negotiate individually at different intervals thus rendering the union ineffective in supporting player negotiations. Again, the owners use their monopoly power to engage in colusion in maintaining contracts that can be terminated at will.

[MIDave]

While I agree that this isn't a large labor injustice that warrants enormous public outcry, I do believe that the players are in a lose-lose situation with regard to how they deal with it.

Realistically, they won't strike because the outcome would be devastating. When they strike unlike the normal laborer, they can't go out and get a job doing the same work.(back to my original point) So the owners have them over a barrel.

And that's the (blatantly obvious) point that I was missing. That helps me see the other side of this thing. I think I posted this morning out of sheer frustration with the passion/length of time devoted to this topic. But I've learned something as a result.

With regard to the effectiveness of the union, again this is totally different. Most labor agreements in the real world impact the larger body of members equally and universallly with regard to wages. The NFL is different as each player must negotiate individually at different intervals thus rendering the union ineffective in supporting player negotiations. Again, the owners use their monopoly power to engage in colusion in maintaining contracts that can be terminated at will.

I see your point concerning wages. But the union can negotiate broad terms and requirements for all contracts. Guaranteed money is probably a pipe dream with the salary cap and number of player injuries, but surely they could demand, or implement on their own, some form of protection for injured players.

But you're right. In terms of wages they are in the owner's vice.

[The_Real_Right_Way]

Only MLB has anti-trust exemption.

And I don't think its fair to say that "most" executives haven't earned their spots. The corporate ladder is extremely competitive and cut-throat.. and relationships and networking are part of the game -- same as 40 speed and 225lb reps are part of the NFL game.

I have been in the corporate world and let me tell you. Climbing the ladder in the corporate world is more about how you know, and who you fit in with. To me that is not networking. Some are not allowed into the circles that network for growth to senior levels.

It is totally different. 4 - 40 speed and 225lbs reps are objective.
Whether I like Bob or feel comfortable with Bob versus Leroy is subjective, and often irrelevant and biased.