Alternate NFLPA draft event

[halodoc]

Does anyone know if the nflpa plan on airing there draft event aswell and seprate from the nfl draft? Would nfl network and espn be able to cover any of the nflpa draft event ,or because of legal issues not be able to? So nfl network and espn would air music city hall while another channel like tbs or usa would air the nflpa's draft event. I also heard that the draftie's would go up to a stage and shake hands with some of there new found teammates. Which i don't think is the worst idea , but was wondering if anyone else heard that aswell.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by halodoc

Does anyone know if the nflpa plan on airing there draft event aswell and seprate from the nfl draft? Would nfl network and espn be able to cover any of the nflpa draft event ,or because of legal issues not be able to? So nfl network and espn would air music city hall while another channel like tbs or usa would air the nflpa's draft event. I also heard that the draftie's would go up to a stage and shake hands with some of there new found teammates. Which i don't think is the worst idea , but was wondering if anyone else heard that aswell.

I heard a rumor that ESPN3 is airing it and SmootSmack is taking over the Mel Kiper roll. He better go get his hair did.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

I heard a rumor that ESPN3 is airing it and SmootSmack is taking over the Mel Kiper roll. He better go get his hair did.

Lol. He has quite a head of competition.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

I heard a rumor that ESPN3 is airing it and SmootSmack is taking over the Mel Kiper roll. He better go get his hair did.

Never heard of an AI getting TV time. Should be interesting. Hopefully they update him so he doesn't continue to recommend that teams with a need at QB take Jevan Snead

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag59

Never heard of an AI getting TV time. Should be interesting. Hopefully they update him so he doesn't continue to recommend that teams with a need at QB take Jevan Snead

All I'm saying is with a Snead/Daniel combo at QB...we wouldn't need to talk about filling the QB position for the next decade. That's all I'm saying

[30gut]

Full disclosure I have friends that used to work at the NFLPA and I have fond memories of meeting the late Gene Upshaw.

Gene may have been close to the NFL execs but that didn't stop him from getting the players how can I say this...a kick ass deal.

To us its a game but for them this about their livelihoods, their families their future and the future players.

The stakes are high.

I think as fans we should take our emotions out of it and look at what's going on.

What have the owners done to cause the situation vs what have the players done?
---------------------------------------------------------------
I understand the reasoning behind NFLPA wanting to have the draft at another venue not sponsored by the NFL owners.

It does strike me as a sham for the owners to hold the draft ceremony when they are in fact preventing the new draftees from signing contracts, meeting with their coaches and staff, training in the team facilities etc. in short they are limiting the players from the means to prepare to excell at their jobs.

Imo the NFL draft held by the owners during a lockout with no CBA is kinda paradoxical at best, exploitive at worst.

If the NFLPA can preserve the spirit of the draft experience for the incoming players then I completely agree with their intent.

The incoming players deserve the recognition and they and their families deserve the moment.

But, the execution and production of the event better be flawless.

My suggestions: hire a former player/celeb as host; invite as many former player/celebs as possible, invite celebs, invite the fans FOR FREE, have as many current players on hand as possible to welcome there new teammates into the NFL players fraternity, have as much media on hand as possible






The lockout will be over the 1st week of April anyway.

[juskins]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

I know this may sound like a naive comment, but I feel like, why is the NFL going on about business as usual if the next season is up in the air? Personally, I feel like nothing else should be going on until they resolve whether there will be football or not next season.

I have another naive comment to raise with my fellow posters: Has it occurred to any of you that this is one big ----ing act that the owners and union members are putting on for the fans and the media's benefit? Why do we have to make a decision about "who is right or wrong" in this dispute?

If fans did not take a side, I am willing to bet it would be resolved by next month before the draft. I refuse to play their game!

Just suppose they both wanted to get rid of the previous CBA agreement because it was getting out of control with regulations and rulings by the owner's watch dog, the commish along with the rules committees. Being indifferent in this matter has more leverage for the fans than siding with either the owners or the players.

Just maybe they will want to reinvent the game again and bring back football without the softer side of it. The game has gotten to the point where it is getting too scripted by those who don't play the game.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by juskins

I have another naive comment to raise with my fellow posters: Has it occurred to any of you that this is one big ----ing act that the owners and union members are putting on for the fans and the media's benefit? Why do we have to make a decision about "who is right or wrong" in this dispute?

If fans did not take a side, I am willing to bet it would be resolved by next month before the draft. I refuse to play their game!

Just suppose they both wanted to get rid of the previous CBA agreement because it was getting out of control with regulations and rulings by the owner's watch dog, the commish along with the rules committees. Being indifferent in this matter has more leverage for the fans than siding with either the owners or the players.

Just maybe they will want to reinvent the game again and bring back football without the softer side of it. The game has gotten to the point where it is getting too scripted by those who don't play the game.

Um....

I think I'll just answer Ruhskins comment: Ruhskins-teams need to move forward as if business as usual (to the best of their ability) to be prepared for whenever an agreement is reached. If they don't, they'll fall way behind.

[SBXVII]

Heck the NFLPA might as well go out and broker their own television deals. The owners/NFL maybe chooses FOX, the players/NFLPA can go choose NBC. I mean if their going to have their own draft day party they might as well broker their own TV deals also.

[juskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Um....

I think I'll just answer Ruhskins comment: Ruhskins-teams need to move forward as if business as usual (to the best of their ability) to be prepared for whenever an agreement is reached. If they don't, they'll fall way behind.

Come April 6th, the judge will hear both sides in this matter and declare that she or he will make a ruling in X amount of days. More than likely the judge will rule with the players by ruling that the owners have not negotiated in good faith from the beginning and cannot lock the players out of their work place. A deal gets done and the players form another union, guild or whatever. Both sides celebrate!

Does that sound about right? Been there, done it.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by juskins

Come April 6th, the judge will hear both sides in this matter and declare that she or he will make a ruling in X amount of days. More than likely the judge will rule with the players by ruling that the owners have not negotiated in good faith from the beginning and cannot lock the players out of their work place. A deal gets done and the players form another union, guild or whatever. Both sides celebrate!

Does that sound about right? Been there, done it.

Wouldn't surprise me if a deal is done, and I believe there are several owners who hope the injunction is lifted. But...I don't think this is some dog and pony show right now for the media and fans' entertainment

[Longtimefan]

NFLPA: No draft boycott; but 'different' feel? - ESPN

[juskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Wouldn't surprise me if a deal is done, and I believe there are several owners who hope the injunction is lifted. But...I don't think this is some dog and pony show right now for the media and fans' entertainment

Its just getting to be "ole hat", that's all I am saying. I just think this is an act of an obvious conclusion. What's the advantage of owners locking out the players? What leverage does it afford them in this process? Judge declares it illegal because the union has disbanded.

This is why I think it has always been about ridding themselves of the Gene Upshaw and previous commissioner of the NFL's, era. They are saying, "let's re-do this thing because it doesn't work anymore." They need a definitive conclusion - not compromises.

So presently, this charade of the same-ole-same old management/union positioning for favoritism in the press is for show only. We will see a different agreement struck than we have been accustomed to in the past with Gene Upshaw running the ship. It's going to be hard-core union against unmovable owners. I like it!

[CRedskinsRule]

AlbertBreer Albert Breer

NFLPA's plan is to host an event at a Manhattan hotel prior to -- not during -- the draft on 4/28. Story going up on NFL.com in a minute.

The event, titled "The Debut", kicks off 3 days of NFLPA events around the draft. Those won't interfere with Thu/Fri nights at Radio City.

realfreemancbs mike freeman

CBSSports.com confirms NFLPA will hold draft event late Saturday. Text to CBSSports.com from source: "We want players to have their moment."

Agent for rookie who is expected to be drafted in 1st round: "My guy will probably be shaking hands with Roger (Goodell)."

mortreport Chris Mortensen

NFLPA understands alternative competing draft event is not the way to go nor embraced. Players will make own decision, as in the past.

[MTK]

Smart move by the players. A competing event would have made them look like morons.