NFLPA Exec's Latest Email to NFL Agents Suggests There Could Be a Long Strike Coming
By Will Fowler
It's no secret that professional sports leagues and players' associations don't always get along. That being said, the two have been living pretty harmoniously as of late - we haven't had a lockout since 2012 when the NHL was shut down for three months in lieu of a new collective bargaining agreement.
That may be set to change however, as the NFL looks like it is heading for a deadlock of its own.
NFLPA Exec Dir De Smith sent an email out to all NFL agents this morning, advising them to urge player clients to save money in the event of a work stoppage.
— Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) May 28, 2019
"We are advising players to plan for a work stoppage of at least a year in length," the letter states.
More in SBD.
This could be something as small as a minor preliminary measure or as big as the NFLPA and its members bracing for impact. It certainly seems like a bad omen for a sport that is loved by the nation.
One year is no small stoppage, either. The most recent NFL lockout, which ranged from May 2011 to July 2011, only lasted four months. Yet, recovering the trust and rooting interest of the country without expecting some sort of backlash for a year-long stoppage is wishful thinking at best.
Also good advice for NFL club/league staffers. 2011 lockout saw salary reductions/furloughs/unpaid vacation by some clubs & league office. Since players aren't paid until regular season, employees bear pain of work stoppage/strike first. https://t.co/LMmrdVJt5g https://t.co/eDuTqCdnRb
— Chris Pika (@BlogAndTackle) May 28, 2019
Regardless of whether this threat is serious or minimal, it is clear that there is unrest between the NFL and the NFLPA. Here's to hoping it gets resolved without players going on strike.