Several candidates for the NFLPA's Exec Dir position are "expected to throw their hats in the ring" leading up to the deadline 10 days before the annual meeting and vote "take place in Hawaii" on March 15, according to Ben Volin of the BOSTON GLOBE. In addition to incumbent DeMaurice Smith, former NFLer Sean Gilbert has been "openly campaigning for the position for the past year-plus," while Michigan-based attorney James Acho also has "expressed an interest in running." There also are "rumors of a fourth candidate running for the position." A candidate must have "at least three nominations from the 32 player representatives" to get on the ballot. NFLPA President Eric Winston said that each candidate "will be given plenty of time to explain his platform and speak with the constituents." When it is time to vote, a candidate "needs a simple majority -- 17 of 32 votes -- to win the position." Winston said that he will not "favor Smith over any of the other candidates." He added that the NFLPA "chose Hawaii so the player reps can bring their families and make a vacation out of it." Volin noted the NFLPA has "often held these meetings in a warm-weather locale" historically, but Hawaii "is not exactly easy or cheap to get to, and the candidates have to pay their own way" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/8).
