New NFL union chief presses his case

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090616_Phil_Sheridan__New_NFL_union_chief_presses_his_case.html

Posted on Tue, Jun. 16, 2009

Phil Sheridan
New NFL union chief presses his case

By Phil Sheridan

Inquirer Sports Columnist

The NFL Players Association was smart to choose a David-sized executive director to replace Hall of Fame lineman Gene Upshaw. The looming battle with the gargantuan and heavily fortified NFL might be won with a well-aimed stone.

DeMaurice Smith took over his new job at the most difficult moment in two decades of relations between the league and its players. He was at the NovaCare Complex yesterday, meeting with a couple of dozen Eagles players.

Smith would have preferred to address the entire team, but most of the squad scattered at the end of last week's sort-of-voluntary camp. Such is the logistical reality of trying to meet with 32 teams during the off-season.

"When I flew home from Nashville ," Smith said, "that was my 41st plane flight in the last four weeks. I'm going to be about two inches shorter when this is done and I'm not sure I can afford it."

Smith jokes about his height (about 5-foot-8) in that way that dares you to take him lightly because of it. It's the same way he talks about not being a former pro or college player, and therefore a surprise choice to replace Upshaw. Smith defeated former Eagle Troy Vincent and former defensive lineman Trace Armstrong in a vote earlier this year.

He will ultimately be judged on how he handles the most daunting situation since the union decertified after the disastrous 1987 strike and fought its way back to prominence through the courts.

FULL story at link.

[blueclown]

1. He has a tough battle ahead of him.

The NFL owners are going to be reluctant to part with their more-than-fair-share.