League Notes
In Chicago, Vaughn McClure reports the NFLPA Monday won a dispute "regarding some complex language in the [CBA] involving guaranteed salaries in uncapped years beginning in 2010." A special master ruled in favor of the NFLPA, fully guaranteeing "salaries in uncapped years won't be allocated to the player's first- or second-year salaries for purposes of the rookie pool" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/23).
GRIDIRON GREATS: In N.Y., Michael O'Keeffe reports the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund kicked off its pro bono medical program Monday as former NFLers Mercury Morris and Brian DeMarco were admitted to OAA Orthopedic Specialists in Pennsylvania. Gridiron Greats provides social services to needy former NFL players and has teamed up with OAA and Surgical Specialty Hospital of Arizona "to provide free health care." Up to five more NFL retirees are scheduled to be examined at OAA in the next few weeks, with three former players being evaluated at the Arizona facility. Fifty former NFLers applied for the program. Morris said that he was "very impressed with OAA's staff and facilities, but he does have one complaint." Morris: "This sends the wrong message to the NFL and NFLPA. I'm sure they are thinking, 'Now we don't have to pay'" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/23).
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U.S. Bank Championship In Milwaukee
Draws Larger Crowds In Afternoon Hours |
SMALL CROWDS: In Milwaukee, Gary D’Amato writes the galleries at last weekend’s PGA Tour U.S. Bank Championship at Brown Deer Park Golf Club, which was held at the same time as the British Open, were “bigger in the afternoon hours on the weekend, but some of the bleachers weren’t even half-full.” D'Amato notes that is “no way for a ‘major-league’ city and a supposedly good golf market to support a PGA Tour event.” The “perception persists that it’s not worthy of a PGA Tour event,” but Brown Deer Park is “among the most spectator-friendly courses on the PGA Tour” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/23).
USING HIS INFLUENCE: Galaxy MF David Beckham was profiled in a USA TODAY sports section cover story, and he said he has spoken with MLS Commissioner Don Garber about working with the WPS, the new women's soccer league. WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci said of Beckham's interest, "We'd love to have David as a kind of athlete and hero to soccer fans and the general public alike" (USA TODAY, 7/23).
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