Announcement draws mixed reaction from retired players
CHARLES CHANDLER
cchandler@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Observer
Friday, July 28, 2006
Responding to months of sharp criticism from former players, the NFL and NFL Players Association on Thursday jointly announced a series of improved benefits for retired and current players.
The improvements, which are part of a recently extended collective bargaining agreement, will increase the pension benefits of retired players by 25 percent for seasons played before 1982 and 10 percent for years played in 1982 and after.
"The current players have great respect for the heritage of the NFL and the former players that have contributed to the league's success," NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said in a news release.
Upshaw came under fire from retired players for comments he made to the Observer in a Jan. 16 article quoting 13 Hall of Famers saying the union and league weren't doing enough to help former players with financial and health problems.
In that article, Upshaw defended the union's record for negotiating improvements for retirees and said some ex-players were ungrateful. He noted that he legally represented current players, not former players.
"The bottom line is I don't work for them," Upshaw said at the time. "They don't hire me, and they can't fire me."
The remarks had a galvanizing impact on retired players. Some have discussed calling for an investigation of Upshaw.
Other components of upgrades announced Thursday:
• Tripling of benefits for widows and surviving children of players who die before their retirement benefits begin.
• A plan named for former Baltimore Colts tight end John Mackey to help with health care costs for retirees with dementia.
• Current players with at least five credited seasons who retire after this season will be eligible to up to $15,000 annual tuition assistance for up to three years.
• Addressing widespread concerns about post-football insurance needs, a health reimbursement account was established for current players.
Reaction by retirees to Thursday's announcement was mixed.
"I'm happy it's going to help, but it's not going to cure the problem," said Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer, a former Green Bay guard. "It's really just a start."
Kramer has been working to assist ailing former players independent of other retirees' ongoing dispute with the NFLPA.
He announced plans Thursday (www.jerrykramer.com) for a Jan. 29 fundraising auction of memorabilia being donated by former and current NFL stars.
Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure of Charlotte and former Cleveland Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish, both staunch union critics, said Thursday's announcement by the NFL and NFLPA wouldn't slow the movement by retired players to get better benefits.
"Upshaw's 25 percent increase announcement is an insult," said Parrish. "He means for it to be."
Said DeLamielleure, the former Bills and Browns guard: "The bottom line is we're getting 25 percent of nothing."
DeLamielleure was pleased by recent news that the Pro Football Hall of Fame will pay all expenses for members who want to attend annual induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio.
The Observer reported in its Jan. 16 article that Hall of Famers were upset that aging ex-players with financial and health concerns had to pay their own way to Canton.
"We decided to assume the responsibility," said Hall of Fame spokesman Joe Horrigan. "It was just the right thing to do."
________________________________________
© 2006 Charlotte Observer and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.charlotte.com
CHARLES CHANDLER
cchandler@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Observer
Friday, July 28, 2006
Responding to months of sharp criticism from former players, the NFL and NFL Players Association on Thursday jointly announced a series of improved benefits for retired and current players.
The improvements, which are part of a recently extended collective bargaining agreement, will increase the pension benefits of retired players by 25 percent for seasons played before 1982 and 10 percent for years played in 1982 and after.
"The current players have great respect for the heritage of the NFL and the former players that have contributed to the league's success," NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said in a news release.
Upshaw came under fire from retired players for comments he made to the Observer in a Jan. 16 article quoting 13 Hall of Famers saying the union and league weren't doing enough to help former players with financial and health problems.
In that article, Upshaw defended the union's record for negotiating improvements for retirees and said some ex-players were ungrateful. He noted that he legally represented current players, not former players.
"The bottom line is I don't work for them," Upshaw said at the time. "They don't hire me, and they can't fire me."
The remarks had a galvanizing impact on retired players. Some have discussed calling for an investigation of Upshaw.
Other components of upgrades announced Thursday:
• Tripling of benefits for widows and surviving children of players who die before their retirement benefits begin.
• A plan named for former Baltimore Colts tight end John Mackey to help with health care costs for retirees with dementia.
• Current players with at least five credited seasons who retire after this season will be eligible to up to $15,000 annual tuition assistance for up to three years.
• Addressing widespread concerns about post-football insurance needs, a health reimbursement account was established for current players.
Reaction by retirees to Thursday's announcement was mixed.
"I'm happy it's going to help, but it's not going to cure the problem," said Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer, a former Green Bay guard. "It's really just a start."
Kramer has been working to assist ailing former players independent of other retirees' ongoing dispute with the NFLPA.
He announced plans Thursday (www.jerrykramer.com) for a Jan. 29 fundraising auction of memorabilia being donated by former and current NFL stars.
Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure of Charlotte and former Cleveland Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish, both staunch union critics, said Thursday's announcement by the NFL and NFLPA wouldn't slow the movement by retired players to get better benefits.
"Upshaw's 25 percent increase announcement is an insult," said Parrish. "He means for it to be."
Said DeLamielleure, the former Bills and Browns guard: "The bottom line is we're getting 25 percent of nothing."
DeLamielleure was pleased by recent news that the Pro Football Hall of Fame will pay all expenses for members who want to attend annual induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio.
The Observer reported in its Jan. 16 article that Hall of Famers were upset that aging ex-players with financial and health concerns had to pay their own way to Canton.
"We decided to assume the responsibility," said Hall of Fame spokesman Joe Horrigan. "It was just the right thing to do."
________________________________________
© 2006 Charlotte Observer and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.charlotte.com
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