NFL INSIDER
by Bob Glauber
Newsday.com
August 27, 2006
NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw has been in the news lately, what with Bryant Gumbel's scathing remarks about being outgoing commissioner Paul Tagliabue's "personal pet" and Tagliabue's uncharacteristic swipe at Gumbel regarding those comments.
Although Upshaw continues to decline comment about Gumbel - who also suggested in a recent appearance on HBO's "Real Sports" that new commissioner Roger Goodell should have Tagliabue "show you where he keeps Gene Upshaw's leash" - Upshaw is firing back at another critic.
Former Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish is critical of Upshaw's stewardship of the union.
"Bryant Gumbel got it exactly right," said Parrish, a founding member of the NFLPA. "I don't think I can say it any better."
Parrish is pushing for congressional hearings on the NFLPA's actions, including the recent suspension of agent Carl Poston, whose mishandling of LaVar Arrington's contract with the Redskins got Poston in hot water with the union. Congress has not scheduled any hearings.
"It's an arbitrary decision with Carl Poston by not allowing due process," Parrish said. "I want to get congressional help, because it's typical of how Upshaw has ruled through intimidation. It's arbitrary and capricious the way Upshaw handles the agents."
Parrish also criticizes the union's failure to sufficiently improve benefits for retired players, even though Upshaw and his group recently won large increases from the league for pensions and health benefits.
"Compared to baseball, the [NFL's] benefits are terrible," Parrish said. Parrish said he spoke to Upshaw on a conference call in May but remains unconvinced about the union's direction. Parrish also criticized Upshaw for being represented by noted player agent Tom Condon, saying it is a conflict of interest.
Upshaw has held his tongue over Gumbel's remarks, but he's furious at Parrish.
"Bernie Parrish is a bald-faced liar with every statement he makes," Upshaw said. "When he got off the conference call we had, he lied about everything that was discussed. He's making statements that I operate the union as a goon squad."
Upshaw said Parrish will receive a letter from union attorneys in the coming days, although he declined to say what will be in the letter. Upshaw also defended his being represented by Condon, who also represents several high-profile players, including quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and Matt Leinart.
"Tom Condon is one of the best agents there is, and I want one of the best agents for myself," Upshaw said.
Upshaw also defended the Poston suspension. "He's an agent, and we're the exclusive bargaining entity for agents," Upshaw said. "He's our agent."
As for Gumbel's remarks, which created a buzz after Tagliabue ripped the recently hired NFL Network announcer, Upshaw won't comment directly. But he did say he has received numerous calls and e-mails of support from Tagliabue, Goodell and several owners and players.
"They've all voiced their support and said the comments were ridiculous," Upshaw said. "I'm not ready to comment. I will one day, but not now."
by Bob Glauber
Newsday.com
August 27, 2006
NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw has been in the news lately, what with Bryant Gumbel's scathing remarks about being outgoing commissioner Paul Tagliabue's "personal pet" and Tagliabue's uncharacteristic swipe at Gumbel regarding those comments.
Although Upshaw continues to decline comment about Gumbel - who also suggested in a recent appearance on HBO's "Real Sports" that new commissioner Roger Goodell should have Tagliabue "show you where he keeps Gene Upshaw's leash" - Upshaw is firing back at another critic.
Former Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish is critical of Upshaw's stewardship of the union.
"Bryant Gumbel got it exactly right," said Parrish, a founding member of the NFLPA. "I don't think I can say it any better."
Parrish is pushing for congressional hearings on the NFLPA's actions, including the recent suspension of agent Carl Poston, whose mishandling of LaVar Arrington's contract with the Redskins got Poston in hot water with the union. Congress has not scheduled any hearings.
"It's an arbitrary decision with Carl Poston by not allowing due process," Parrish said. "I want to get congressional help, because it's typical of how Upshaw has ruled through intimidation. It's arbitrary and capricious the way Upshaw handles the agents."
Parrish also criticizes the union's failure to sufficiently improve benefits for retired players, even though Upshaw and his group recently won large increases from the league for pensions and health benefits.
"Compared to baseball, the [NFL's] benefits are terrible," Parrish said. Parrish said he spoke to Upshaw on a conference call in May but remains unconvinced about the union's direction. Parrish also criticized Upshaw for being represented by noted player agent Tom Condon, saying it is a conflict of interest.
Upshaw has held his tongue over Gumbel's remarks, but he's furious at Parrish.
"Bernie Parrish is a bald-faced liar with every statement he makes," Upshaw said. "When he got off the conference call we had, he lied about everything that was discussed. He's making statements that I operate the union as a goon squad."
Upshaw said Parrish will receive a letter from union attorneys in the coming days, although he declined to say what will be in the letter. Upshaw also defended his being represented by Condon, who also represents several high-profile players, including quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and Matt Leinart.
"Tom Condon is one of the best agents there is, and I want one of the best agents for myself," Upshaw said.
Upshaw also defended the Poston suspension. "He's an agent, and we're the exclusive bargaining entity for agents," Upshaw said. "He's our agent."
As for Gumbel's remarks, which created a buzz after Tagliabue ripped the recently hired NFL Network announcer, Upshaw won't comment directly. But he did say he has received numerous calls and e-mails of support from Tagliabue, Goodell and several owners and players.
"They've all voiced their support and said the comments were ridiculous," Upshaw said. "I'm not ready to comment. I will one day, but not now."
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