Former NFLer Sean Gilbert is "embarking on a campaign to take over" the NFLPA, according to Kevin Clark of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Gilbert has written "a 23,000-word e-book outlining his plan and announcing his candidacy for executive director of the union" to replace DeMaurice Smith. Gilbert's announcement "will represent the first challenge to Smith's tenure." Smith's three-year contract "expires about a year and a half from now." Gilbert in the e-book said that the NFLPA has been "losing in labor negotiations" with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Gilbert "criticizes Smith for allowing Goodell too much power over player discipline and for agreeing to salary-cap penalties" for the Redskins and Cowboys, who "spent freely when there was no salary cap the previous year." Gilbert's campaign "will begin with the e-book, which is titled 'The $29 Million Tip' -- a reference to Goodell's salary" in '11. It will be "distributed to each player with a personalized note from Gilbert." Gilbert since retiring has "remained involved in football, working as an adviser to his nephew," Buccaneers CB Darrelle Revis (WSJ.com, 9/25).
