Mawae Says Upshaw Not Being Replaced Until New CBA Is In Place

Mawae Says Leadership Of NFLPA Will Not Change Until After New CBA Is Reached

Titans C and NFLPA President Kevin Mawae yesterday appeared on syndicated radio show “The Jim Rome Show” and discussed the future of NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw. Mawae said, “We have a stance from a union standpoint that Gene is going to have to be replaced in the near future, but we also understand that he’s the one to do the job to keep the CBA in place.” Mawae: “Anytime you have a change or shift in leadership during such a big deal as this … nothing goes right for the players association. It happened with the NHL a few years ago and they ended up losing 24% on their salaries and they went to a cap system because there was a shift of leadership during that process.” Mawae noted the union has had “many discussions" about when to look for Upshaw's replacement, and he said the organization has "come to an agreement that the best chance for us to get a (CBA) in place is to have Gene take us through that process and get a deal in place." Mawae: "Not until then will we even consider looking for a new executive director.” Mawae added that no change in leadership is immediately forthcoming. Mawae: “Gene has always expressed that this next deal -- we knew (the owners) weren’t going to extend the CBA this time -- and his goal was, ‘I want to be in place, we’re going to get the deal done, and then I’m walking away.’” More Mawae: “That’s always been his word, that’s been his sentiment. It’s never been a secret. I think the media portrays him as a guy that’s hanging on … and doesn’t want to leave the position that he’s in. But the reality of it is Gene understands where he’s at and he’s made it very clear to us that when the next CBA is done, then he’ll move (on). … We understand that’s what he has in mind and we also understand that’s what’s best for the NFLPA” (“The Jim Rome Show,” 8/5).

HERE TO STAY: Upshaw in his weekly blog on NFLPA.com wrote, "Let me assure you that I will remain on the job as your Executive Director through the negotiation of the next settlement, no matter how long that may take. Your union has worked for over 50 years to get to where the players have both free agency and a guaranteed percentage [60%] of league revenues. As a unified group of players standing solidly behind the NFLPA in the years to come, your legacy can be an improvement on those gains, and I look forward to seeing that happen" (NFLPA.com,  8/4).