Stating His Case

Smith responds to questions during an "often-combative" Q&A session

NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith Thursday, in an "often-combative question-and-answer session," said that the union "had 'fundamental disagreements' with the league and that a proposal that players should make $1 billion in concessions made no sense while revenues were at record highs," according to Ken Belson of the N.Y. TIMES. Smith: "The business of football is probably the best economic business model in the country because that $9 billion was generated during the worst recession in our lives. At the height of the economic viability and success of the league, you're now asking the players to give back $1 billion for the next seven years. ... There has not been any indication that any team has lost a dime. No one has said that profits are ...