OK, I have heard from many fans, "what is the difference between the NFLPA retired players and the NFL Alumni Association?" Well, I will answer that important question.
The NFLPA retired players is the only true group that advocates for the former players of the NFL. The NFLPA retired players group was founded 26 years ago to address pensions, community involvement and be a force for improving the quality of life for all retired players. The NFLPA retired players has given out $7.1 million in payments to 1,151 retired players in need since its inception. The NFLPA retired players provides educational opportunities through a partnership with the University of Phoenix. The NFLPA retired players provides employment assistance with the NFLPA retired players Job Board. The NFLPA retired players founded the "Alliance" which is now called the NFL Player Care Foundation. That created programs and services that provide players with joint replacement surgeries, hearing aid assistance, financial counseling, prescription drug cards, assisted living, Medicare supplement benefit, heart and health screenings, prostate screenings, heart and lung surgeries, and medical research. The NFLPA retired players leadership is comprised by 34 chapter presidents who are governed by a nine member national steering committee comprised of a president and eight vice presidents. The NFLPA retired players are funded by the current players of the NFLPA.
The NFL Alumni Association was initially created as a "Caring for kids" charity and funded entirely by the NFL and the Owners. They hold golf tournaments in every team city which culminates in the Super Bowl of golf in Hawaii. Since their formation some 20 years ago they have given out roughly $60 thousand to players in need. The NFL Alumni Association merged with a group called 4th and goal this past year and changed its mission to become an "independent" advocacy group for retired players and HIRED an executive director. The NFL has given a $1 million interest free loan to the new executive director. The NFL Alumni Association has partnered with Morehouse University for Traumatic Brain Injury research.
My question is this. How can a group be called "Independent" and take a loan from the NFL Ownership group? How can a group be "Independent" if it continues to be funded by the NFL teams? How much is the NFLAA paying the NFL for the right to use the NFL logo which costs millions for other corporations to license? These are questions to be answered if a group wanting to serve the interests of the retired players of the NFL by calling themselves independent. The NFLPA retired players has been serving the needs of retired players without a question of the origins of the finances or the motives of the group behind the scenes.
For all of the fans and players the difference should be clear. Who unquestionably has the back of the retired players and the current players of the NFL? The NFLPA Retired Players.
Nolan,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you care deeply about the plight of retired players and I applaud that.
After reading your posting, I had a few questions and comments that I thought were worthy of sharing:
Has the NFLPA retired players department given out 7.1 million? I thought the PAT Fund was established for such disbursements and was made up of contributions by both NFLPA and League monies. The NFL Alumni Association administers the NFL Alumni Dire Need Fund, which has given out fund totals similar to the above mentioned PAT Fund since its inception in 1999.
The NFL Alumni Association was actually established in 1967 by a group of former players to gain retirement benefits for pre-59ers. In reading their mission statement, it seems like their goals parallel the NFLPA Retired Players Department. But really, isn't helping the players the only thing that really matters, regardless of the brain child or funding source? Why don't all groups work together?
You claim that the Player Care Foundation was founded by NFLPA retired players. On the website, www.nflplayercare.com, the information reads differently. The Player Care Foundation was founded through a collaborative effort between the NFLPA and the NFL. In fact, along with contributions from the NFLPA, the Owners were the initial main funding source with a contribution of 17M. Again, in my opinion, it shouldn’t matter where the money comes from - - isn’t the end goal to help retired NFL players?
To your assertion that the loan granted to NFL Alumni Association takes away any "independent" notion, my question to you would be that as a bank employee, do you control every business your bank gives a loan to? Do you have direct influence on their mission and operations?
But really, I write this to ask the much more important question…the NFL Alumni Association and its Executive Director seems to have one mission – to help retired players, and they’ve never said anything negative about the NFLPA. In fact, I think the Executive Director used to be President of the NFLPA. Why is the NFLPA taking such a divisive approach to getting all parties together to collaborate on helping the guys that formed the game?
Lastly, you opened your blog by stating, “The NFLPA retired players is the only true group that advocates for the former players of the NFL.” However, I would be remiss if I did not point out an obvious fact that unions can only truly represent active workers through collective bargaining. I remember reading a couple of years ago that through the gracious actions of the late Gene Upshaw, retired players benefits came under consideration in 1992 when he brought pre-59ers under the fold and earmarked money for their behalf.
Nolan, some of your comments don't make a lot of sense to me and I look forward to hearing your response and clarification.
Nolan - You raise some good points here. I guess the question I have for you and most of your fellow retired players on Steering Committees and other subchapters within the NFPLA is this: Do you think it might be a good idea for some of you to step up and publicly renounce Gene Upshaw and his old way of doing business as a way to truly reach out to the retired players and their ongoing fight for disability and pension reform? Let's face it, re-naming the NFLPA building Upshaw Place probably put any efforts you may have made in the past year with De Smith back at least into the Upshaw era again. Surely there are at least a few of you who truly understand and have seen firsthand (being insiders) the destructive effect that Upshaw's disdain for retired players during his years of "representation" for ALL players, active AND retired. And an equal vote as well as seats on the Board probably wouldn't hurt either. I know of no other Union where the retired employees (who outnumber the active employees) had absolutely no say or true representation for something that actually belongs to them. The old days of insiders vs. outsiders should be openly declared dead if the NFLPA is to truly represent all players. Then - and only then - you will see a solidarity among ALL players going into a lockout, the likes of which no one will have ever seen or expected. You guys are at a real crossroads now and the next moves you make could change everything and create a new and lasting legacy going forward. I see nothing but opportunity in that situation.
ReplyDeleteRobertinSeattle
Bettyanne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. Also, thank you for the clarification on the date of the NFLA founding date. Your numbers for the NFLAA dire need disbursements are not what have been reported. The NFLPA was the group that spearheaded the “Alliance”. I understand that the NFL is now a partner in the player care foundation. The problem is that in the uncapped year all of the benefits of the Player Care Foundation will go away. Additionally, the NFL is not putting the foundation in the current CBA negations which means it will cease to exist as of March 5th if there is no deal, so the question is, why?
To the broad question of “does it matter where the money comes from?” My answer to that is this question. If the NFL really wanted to help the former players they should have (instead of forming another labor group when the NFLPA retired players already exists, during labor unrest) just written a check to fund the legacy fund for former players, which was suggested by California Representative Sanchez. The NFL is an $8 billion dollar a year business. Why spend $1 million of that money in a loan to the new group, instead of helping players in need?
Another question which has been bantered about, why has the NFLAA not asked, like the Gridiron Greats have publically, for the NFL to open the true profit and loss statements to the NFLPA? Regardless of who got a letter when, or who should call who, that just deflects the fact that they have not asked that basic question publically. I respect George Martin and I know he would like to see the NFL give the NFLPA the proper information for them to make educated decisions on the CBA negotiations that will affect all players. To date, he has not asked that tough question.
To the issue of divisiveness, truly the NFLPA is not on that side of the fence. The NFLPA has reached out to the group, invited them to group meetings, but there was always an excuse for them not to come. It is their group which includes the 4th and goal group, which has continuously attacked the NFLPA. The NFLPA has reached across the aisle with no success.
You are correct that the NFLPA cannot bargain for the rights of retired employees, that is the law. From 1992 to today, in every CBA agreement the NFLPA has secured increased pension benefits for former and current players through the pool that the players receive from the NFL. That is where the benefits have always come from. Myself and other retired players have never gotten a check from the teams we have played for since “retirement”.
Thank you for your interest.
Robertinseattle
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Gene Upshaw has passed away. The current NFLPA is making great strides in mending the gap between the current and former players. Much progress has been made this past year. This biggest is the new combined player rep/retired player convention next month. The requests you are referencing, like the former player representation in the current player executive committee are in process. The Steering Committee and Chapter Presidents have been working all year on changes that will be better for all former and current players. We are all One Locker Room, One Team, One Voice, heading to a great new future. We all just have to stand as one.
Best regards
Firing the Groom Law group is long over due! But are they really gone or do they just have a new assignment?
ReplyDelete1) The current disability plan in the NFL is a complete debacle and has never worked. The NFL disability plan needs to be unique to our industry. Start over from scratch and design this unique disability plan for physical injuries along with concussions and head injuries.
2) NFL pensions should match Major League Baseball (MLB).
3) Medical after football for life.
These are the REAL issues for retired players!
Football is a violent and brutal game and it is fundamentally impossible to take the violence and injuries out of the game. However, allowing retired players access to their earned disability benefits will greatly help in lifting this dark cloud this is currently hanging over the NFL.
Renaming the NFLPA building "Upshaw Place" is another slap in the face to ALL retired players.
Renaming the dire need fund "the Gene Upshaw dire need fund" is another slap and kick in the head. If the NFL disability plan was legitimate and pensions matched Baseball and retired players had medical insurance after football then retired players would NOT need a dire need fund.
In the NBA & MLB the players have guaranteed contracts, great pensions and disability. We never hear them complain do we? Why is there such a big problem in the NFL? Gene Upshaw was a complete sell out!
How much was Gene Upshaw really paid annually for selling us out? Was it $10,000,000 or $15,000,000 or $20,000,000?
What about his bank accounts in Switzerland?
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
To Dave, the other Raiders #74,
ReplyDeleteYou will be happy to learn that the NFLPA is attempting to negotiate a change in the disability plan process during the current CBA negotiations. One of the first improvements asked for is an impartial initial evaluator with medical experience. So a doctor will be the first line of entrance to the plan, who is an impartial evaluator of disability applicants. So, the firing of Groom Law and this next step along with more to come are a clear indication that the NFLPA has heard the voices of the retired players and are acting to correct a problem affecting many of our brothers.
The past is behind us and we are all marching towards a bright future. Together, UNITED, One Locker Room, One Team, One Voice.
Are you in?
Best regards,
Nolan Harrison III
#74 Raiders 1991 – 1996
#74 Steelers 1997 – 1999
#74 Redskins 2000 – 2001
I thought you would get a kick out of that.
Dear Nolan Harrison,
ReplyDeleteThe past is still the present for disabled NFL players and their families that were illegally denied their disability benefits. For us NOTHING has changed!
Why was the Groom Law Group fired? Are they gone from the NFL or have they just been given a new assignment?
Under the direction of the NFLPA Leadership the Groom Law Group has caused untold misery for disabled players and their families. What is the plan for ALL the retired players that the Groom Law Group has cheated and swindled under the direction of the NFLPA Leadership?
Before you move ahead there needs to be restitution for the past. What is the plan for retired players living today that were cheated and swindled under the Gene Upshaw system?
The past can't be behind you because there are still too many bodies in the road.
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Dave & Heidi,
ReplyDeleteNo one said that the past should not be rectified, those steps are being taken as indicated before.
What I am advocating is that we put our strength behind the new NFLPA leadership so that it can accomplish the goals we all want. Together as ONE VOICE.
The NFLPA is advocating for 2% reparations paid to a Legacy Fund for all retired players as I stated in a previous post.
The NFLPA is advocating for changes to the disability process as I stated in a previous post.
The NFLPA stood side by side with the Gridiron Greats at the Super Bowl in support.
Like anything, the wrongs of the past cannot be unwritten in an instant, especially when the funding comes from the adversarial force called the NFL.
We will all continue to fight the good fight for all retired players.
One Locker Room, One Team, One Voice.
Are you with us?
Best,
Nolan Harrison III
Nolan -
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean ready to join? I've been a card-carrying, membership dues-paying member of the NFLPA for many years before you were even drafted into the League.
Like every other retired player who paid with a lot more than just those annual dues, I truly expected my Union to stand up for me and my rights in receiving the disability benefits that should have been undeniably granted. Unfortunately, rules kept being written and re-written to ensure that players like me were consistently denied. Forgive me for sounding impatient but 30 years of waiting can leave you very cynical of symbolic changes. Every week that goes by with no real changes, another veteran player of the old years passes away without ever seeing one dollar of the benefits that he should have received long ago. It leaves those of us still here feeling angry and sad over this senseless wait. Imagine hearing from everyone who is supposed to be a brother that they cannot or will not help you. This is how it feels to be a retired player on the outside.
Dave & Heidi Pear
Dear Nolan,
ReplyDeleteWe had our "Independent" players conference call today and the real question is are "YOU" with "US"?
Are "YOU"?
By the way, ALL those programs you were bragging about offer little to nothing. When I had a total left hip replacement in 2008 all I was reimbursed for was (two seat cushions and a $5 co-pay). My last spinal surgery was in August of 2009. I had 4 - 31/2 inch screws, 4 bolts and 2 bars removed from my low back and I did not qualify for your programs and I received nothing!
(except the doctor let me keep the 4 screws along with 4 bolts and 2 bars that he removed as a souvenir).
So far, I have had 10 MAJOR spine surgeries after football. I currently have 3 disc's fused in my low back and 1 disc fused in my neck and a total left hip replacement. I need 3 more surgeries. They are, a total right hip replacement, another disc fused in my neck and a hydro seal operation. All your programs will not pay one penny.
Since I was released from the Oakland Raiders in 1981 (with a herinated disc in my neck and I had to seek medical treatment from a real doctor) I have personally spent $600,000 of my own money for surgeries and my monthly ongoing prescriptions along so many other medical costs exceed $1,000 a month.
Nolan, let me ask you a question. Where would you be if you had to pay these medical bills starting at the age of 27? Where was my union? What effect would this have on you and your family? I have been waiting for change almost 30 years and nothing has happened. I have spent more money on my medical bills than I made as a player! What would you do?
The disability board told me to go home and buy a monkey and an organ because I could still make a good living on the street corner.
De Smith has already told me that it is too late for him to help me.
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Dave,
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your multiple posts, I am sorry if I cannot change how you feel about the exciting new things that are happening right now. I cannot reverse the pain that you have experienced and are currently experiencing. I have only had to have two back surgeries so far... I truly wish I could turn back the clock for many of you to ease the pain you and I endure on a daily basis.
That will not change the fact that I will continue to fight for ALL retired and current players. It is what I have been doing as a NFLPA player rep/executive committee member to today as a NFLPA Retired Player former chapter VP/President and current Steering Committee member. I have a stake in changing the system because the prognosis for my future is not all that great (understatement). So I will fight on.
When I asked the question "are you with us" it was against the NFL, so we can get the Legacy 2% and other benefits we need and that are overdue.
To your statement are you with us, meaning am I one of you? I played, bled, and represented US, my scars may not be as numerous as yours but they are there none the less. I just fight on a different path than you right now, but hopefully that path will lead us to the destination we desire.
In closing this conversation, I believe the new NFLPA leadership and DeMaurice Smith can take us there and I will help fight in any way I can.
Your Brother,
Nolan Harrison III
NFLPA, NFLPA retired players, NFL Alumni Association, etc., etc.:
ReplyDeleteNONE of you seem to be able to do anything but create bureaucracies that tout what they do for retired players, while doing little. $7.1 million for 1,151 players comes out to $6,000 per player. How many hip or knee repalcements will that pay for?
I believe the establishment has won. "Divide and conquer". A crossfire of e-mails, blogs, press conferences, and contradicting statements, taking credit, assigning blame, while the guys that need help slowly deteriorate.
All retired players need to join together in an INDEPENDENT Retired Professional Football Players Association, with its own goals, its own rules, run by officers who are retired players or selected by vote of retired players, no NFL or NFLPA appointees. Unfortunately, I don't think you'll ever do that, and eventally those that need such an organization the most will die out, and the problems they pose will "go away". Too bad.
Ange Coniglio
Ange,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting.
The math is not that simple for the $7.1 Million. There were some players that needed more assistance than others and this is not linked to disability, It is designed for medical/financial funds and every player is entitled $20,000. Undergraduate funds are available for those that apply up to $10,000.
As far as "creating bureaucracies", the NFLPA retired players department has been around for 25 years, it is not new.
All of the chapter and steering committee officers in the NFLPA Retired Player leadership ARE elected by the active and involved retired players, not selected.
The problem with an "independent" organization is that the retired players benefit increases come from the current players pool. The NFLPA and the NFLPA Retired Players are One Team. The best possible place to be to work with the "Players" to gain greater benefits since they also have a vested interest in increasing the benefits, they will all be retired players sooner or later.
If you separate yourself from you own, you run the risk of alienating the players that will be you one day, creating a greater divide. The NFLPA Retired Players group is not creating a divide, they are trying to heal it be creating consistency and familiarity. We have been and always will be ALL PLAYERS under the NFLPA.
This is why I believe in where I am and what I am doing.
Thanks,
Nolan Harrison III