Report: Group of players want to intervene into mediation

[Crixtala]

Good thing?

There is reportedly a break in the ranks among NFL players, and it’s happened earlier than anyone would have imagined.

Daniel Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal has the scoop, saying a “breakaway group of players” want a seat at the mediation table and they are close to hiring a lawyer to intervene in mediation.

As many as 70 players described as “mid tier” players could be committed to the law firm. Kaplan reports they are unhappy that talks broke off in March in Washington D.C. They reportedly won’t contest the “Brady vs. NFL” antitrust case, but just want a seat at the table.

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[Mr. Scot]

Beat me to it. I was just about to post that.

[Sword]

Vrabel seems to act like they are still a union with an executive committee..kinda invalidates your whole point of contention their buddy.

[blackcatgrowl]

Extremely interesting.

If a group of players breaks off and forms their own group of representatives, that pretty much shoots the "class" of defendants in the foot... in the Brady anti-trust suit.

The players fractionalizing also shows that there is some really bad leadership in the NFLPA*, and they are losing support.

Could be a good thing. We'll have to see.

[Cavscout]

Nice

[Crixtala]

Vrabel seems to act like they are still a union with an executive committee..kinda invalidates your whole point of contention their buddy.

nflpa talks... vrabel just mouths the words imo

everyone knew going into this lockout that it was just a matter of time before there was a shism between players

[Kurb]

Shows how poorly run this players association is.

[Ruff]

This, combined with the fact that Mike Vrabel doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut, makes this a very bad thing for the Players, and a very good thing for the Owners.

This shows there is cracks in the whole "solidarity" of the Players' Union.

[Cavscout]

Anything that can possibly help get a new CBA before the season starts is a good thing in my opinion

[Ruff]

Anything that can possibly help get a new CBA before the season starts is a good thing in my opinion

I don't know if this really helps get a CBA done, but it does give the Owners leverage.

When the Judge rules on the injunction, then we will get a better picture of when/if a new CBA will get done.

[Mr. Scot]

Shows how poorly run this players association is.

What player's association? :sosp:

[mav1234]

How do players without a union vote in an executive board? Way to give the league a huge break in their case.

http://twitter.com/#!/albertbreer

AlbertBreer

Vrabel unaware of any specifics on players splintering but as 4 seat at talks "That's why we're here. That's why Ben (Leber) & I are here...

AlbertBreer

Vrabel cont: "... We're players here to represent players and De works for us. They do (have a seat). And if they're unhappy with ..."

AlbertBreer

Vrabel cont: "... that seat, we have to vote in a new executive committee, and a new board of reps."

[OchoNueve]

Strike One: Players asking for their NFLPA loans early

Strike Two: 70 mid-level players display unrest and want a say in negotiations

I got a feeling whatever the next step is in this chain of events will be "strike three" and the NFLPA will lose what little leverage they have left and are desperately holding onto.

[Marguide]

Vrabel caught out twice in a month.

First, his grand theft Budweiser episode, and now, giving the owner's serious ammunition in the courts.

Take a time-out Mike.