Sunday Expected To Bring NFLPA's First Ever Contested Election

Cornwell One Of Four Options For NFLPA Exec Dir

The NFLPA's 32 player reps Sunday will select the union's next Exec Dir, and this vote will mark the "first time in the players union's history that it will have a contested election," according to William Rhoden of the N.Y. TIMES. Whomever is elected had "better be a convincing general because he will most certainly have to lead players into battle against NFL owners who are intent on significantly increasing their share of the league's revenue." Attorney David Cornwell, one of the four finalists, said, "Not only is 30 years of progress in collective bargaining at stake, but the NFLPA also has an opportunity to grow as a labor organization and as a business." Rhoden writes NFL players appear "wise enough to realize that the union faces a crisis of leadership." But the "most important question facing the players is whether they are ready to take back their organization" after 25 years of late NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw's "iron-fisted rule." Voting for former NFLPA President Trace Armstrong generally is "seen as a vote to maintain status quo," while votes for Cornwell and attorney DeMaurice Smith are "seen as a compromise." A vote for former NFLPA President Troy Vincent, "given his contentious relationship with the union hierarchy, is seen as a clear vote for a new direction." Rhoden writes Vincent is "young enough to connect with active players," has 11 years experience with the union, and has "participated in labor negotiations" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/12).

THE BATTLE OF TROY: In N.Y., Peter Lauria cites a source as saying DC-based lawyer Joseph Yablonski, retained by the NFLPA to investigate allegations against Vincent, has "signaled to some inside the union that the disclosures are more serious than originally thought" (N.Y. POST, 3/12). Texans TE and Exec Committee member Mark Bruener said of the allegations against Vincent, "It's been real disappointing that it hasn't been more professional. There have been so many reports based on nonfactual information. I've been real disappointed about the number of character assassinations against ... Troy Vincent." Bruener said that he "doesn't think the allegations have damaged Vincent's candidacy." Bruener: "The accusations have become so outlandish, I think that every time there's a new report it actually strengthens that candidate." In DC, Mark Maske reports some Vincent supporters indicated that he "has more than enough votes lined up to be elected" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/12).

Trace Armstrong Was A Close Ally Of Upshaw

STANDING STRONG: In Chicago, Dan Pompei profiles Armstrong, one of Upshaw's "closest allies before Upshaw's unexpected death last August." Those supporting other candidates have "tried to use Armstrong's relationship with Upshaw against him, saying Armstrong represents the old way of doing things." However, some "see the relationship as a positive." Pompei notes Armstrong is the only white finalist, which "could work against him in a league predominantly composed of African-American players." But free agent DE Jason Taylor said, "I don't think we can be that ignorant. It has to be the best person for the job, regardless of race. I don't see anybody out there more qualified." Armstrong said, "This is maybe the most important period in the history of the NFLPA. I lived it as a player, I learned from the mistakes we made and benefited from the positive things we did" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/12). Former NFLer Charles Mann said that he has "concerns that Armstrong's work in recent years" with CAA Sports and agent Tom Condon, who repped Upshaw, "could represent at least the appearance of a conflict of interest because the union regulates agents" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/12).

TIME TO UNITE: SI.com's Ross Tucker, a former NFLPA player rep, wrote no matter "who gets elected for the head job, it's absolutely critical that current and former players alike unite" in support. There is "no time for divisiveness, especially with the impending CBA negotiations on the horizon." The NFLPA "needs one voice and one voice only," because the "constant media leaks, back-room dealings and public in-fighting are way too similar to the interaction among teenage girls" (SI.com, 3/11).