What is holding Upshaw back?
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Yes, I know a lot has been written about Upshaw and the NFL Union, but today is the day that really gets under my skin. This morning on one of the many sports talk shows, a current player with 11 years or more of experience got on the show and really went after Upshaw and his do nothing approach to the retired players problems and the workers comp issues facing a tremendous amount of former retired NFL players. The statement has been made before about his lack of caring or maybe understanding of the situatiion. But once again, he says nothing and does nothing about what is happening to former great NFL players of the byegone years of the league. He has made the statement that he doesn't represent these players because they are no longer active members. That is fine but he still sits back and collects his 7 million dollars a year, while the players who were injured pass on without any help or hope of getting help. It is not Upshaw's fault but when many former players and coaches speak out about doing something and nothing comes from the Union's office you begin to wonder, Hello there are you alive do you hear what the hell is going on to your formers teammates and friends'. There is so much money in the NFL now that I can see no reason what so ever for not helping the ones that truly need the help. To have one of the greatest QB's in history died alone, homeless and without so much as a are you doing OK from the League and Union really smarts to me. That is the most shameful act that the NFL and the powers to be have let happen to one of their own. I am getting so mad just thinking about this whole situatiion that I can't even watch the games because thinking about Johnny U and many others making 80.00 a month on a retirement benefit. I can't continue to write about it anymore because like a lot of the readers here, these players were the one we loved to watch growing up and in mine case during the 50's and 60's I was already older than any of them. We as fans can only talk or write about this situation but, someone has got to get off there cans and do something about it. Pointing at Upshaw, the league , the owners only gets your blood boiling. Mike Ditka is right on the money and maybe some of the owners who have made billions from these players sweat and tears and start to do something for the players, coaches and staff that started it all and put them were they are today.
Gene Upshaw is the Worst (capital for emphasis) union head rep in pro sports.
And it is one matter to criticize his politics and management of the NFLPA but Upshaw draws further negativity by the way he publically handles controversy.
Hey Upshaw, threatening broke and disabled ex-players isn't not winning you over any good PR.
Keep up the good job Ditka. Somebody has to step up for these ex-players and ensure that they get full benefit of their pension programs.
As for Upshaw? Stay classy.