Full Court Press

I SIDE WITH DA COACH! JUST BY ADDING $1.00 PER TICKET FOR ONE REGULAR SEASON N.F.L. GAME,OVER ONE MILLION $ COULD BE RAISED TO BENEFIT A WORTHY CAUSE. NO SKIN OFF THE OWNERS NOSES..NO BIG DEAL FOR TICKET HOLDERS.

Roman responds: Wait a minute, why should fans have to foot the bill? The NFL's already making billions!

Gene Upshaw has done a lot for players, and past players- no one denies that. But him making more than some of the current players (raking in 4 mil/ yr) is a bit much. I say ret. players should have all medical costs paid (including, but not limited to: surgeries, medication, and any alternative medicine they choose to partake in stemming from injuries/ demobilization resulting from playing.) Now if T. Barber goes out and gets in a car wreck, that should be left to his own -private- medical insurence. Though it would be excellent if the NFLPA would (or maybe they do) offer the insurence the players recieved extended through their ret. They should be paid a percentage of their salary the year they ret. based on the number of years played. It seems logical to me that a player who was a 3rd string RB for 3 years is not as banged up as say... Ray Lewis.
And I wouldn't say any ex-player is living in poverty. All players should be able to sustain off of what they were making and what they do make from their "pention"; unless they are out buying fur coats, diamonds, and lavish "summer" homes.
*This is getting long, I apologize* But, look at players from other countries. We treat our players like Gods. In Australia, the AFL players sometimes only make the equivalent of $112,000 USDs. That's not even and option in the NFL!! Our players are by far the highest paid athletes worldwide, though many times they play the exact same sport as others over seas. Maybe it's time we put them in check? Is it now, that because you have a certain talent/skill, you should put on a pedalstal and receive riches beyond your wildest dreams??
I got a little off base... sorry.

Every active player should have a small % deducted from their paycheck to fund a retiree health plan.

I'm sure there's truth and fiction on both sides here but the Duerson thing really was comical in that he was an obvious plant from Gene Upshaw to kick Ditka around and get it in the local papers.
Duerson has his own family issues these days so I'm sure there was something in it for him to slap Ditka around through the media. Since he was on the '85 Bears, of course the media picked it up and ran with it.

A very touchy subject. I can understand the players who played before the big paychecks came about being in need. Mowever, this DeMarco kid was scheduled to make $950,000.00 for the 2000 season. I don't know if he made that but he was a big money ball player. If you are making that kind of money, you should be able to afford a decent health insurance policy.

I don't want to sound inconsiderate, and I certainly hope for the best for all of the players in need, but if you made or are making a big time professional sports salary, you should be able to obtain health care. That's not to take the union off the hook, but there has to be some personal responsibility.

How many have been hurt on the job before and received workman's compensation? Are you totally 100% physically fit from the incident after so many years? Is the company still in business? Do you think there is a chance of receiving additional money from them presently?

Please I understand this is apples and a ton of bricks I am comparing, but realistically can any of us go back and sue the company again? Either you got all you could then or you S_ _ _ Outta Luck!

I feel for my previous sports heros, but they can't complain about the money present day players make because their pension is lousy. Who wants to see ANY player that was a terror on the field, court or boxing ring looking as an invalid?

Every time I see Muhammad Ali, I just choke up, but he smiles, jokes and act as though there is nothing wrong.

I do not know if Dikta is still upset from when he played with the Bears for a smaller salary or envious of the salaries which players make today. I do not hear Gayle Sayers making a bunch of complaints.

Is it more envy or plain frustration, or simply a combination of both?

Remember, anyone who played for Dikta such as Duerson might not have the kindest words in the world for the man. It is the fans who love Dikta, not the players; just like we still love our 1985 Championship Chicago Bears.

I know there are two sides to every story, but this is a mess. How do we know who's telling the truth, when the 2 sides are so wildly different? Everything that Chris DeMarco said at Ditka's news conference was completely disputed by Gene Upshaw. I want to believe that DeMarco is getting the help he obviously needs, but if you believe his side, he hasn't. His claims of his family being homeless and eating crackers are sad. But Upshaw says his rent has been paid to a place called "The Mansions at Steiner Ranch." He provided checks to prove that claim. As a matter of fact, Upshaw says DeMarco has received almost $10,000 within the last year. So why is DeMarco the poster child? I just don't know what to believe.

As a season-ticket holder, I watch ticket prices go up every year. I don't know if I'd necessarily notice a buck, and the amount of money that it would raise around the NFL would be significant ($15 million or so). Really, it would amount to 20-bucks a year for me including pre-season. I'm happy to contribute that to this cause. But I would be more concerned about the money being disbursed properly, which is the main issue here I believe anyway.

Wait, BBB and I agree on something else? Okay, now things are starting to get strange.

Samantha--I'd say it's not surprising that some ex-players are living well below the means expected of them based on modern standards. Remember that today's NFL players make obscene amounts of money--this wasn't always necessarily the case and, what with inflation the way it is now, some players genuinely do need help.

Roman--while I agree that the fans shouldn't have to foot the bill to help retired players and that the league teams themselves ought to be contributing a significant amount, fans do play some small part in the damage some of these kids and men inflict upon themselves and each other.

My point is not to cast blame, merely to point out their/our responsibility by buying into the system and making the NFL as popular as it is. With that said, an extra dollar per ticket is a small price to pay for anyone who can actually afford to go to an NFL game.

professional athletes do what they do by choice no one forces them to play. like any other career chioce it's an individuals responsibilty to plan ahead for thier days after what ever it is they chose to do. some pay into thier own pension funds some work for companies that provide pensions after a certain number of years coninuous service. pro athletes know thier careers can be cut short by injuries and should be responsible for planning for such. many of those athletes have a college degree that was hopefully earned and not just handed to them. just because they played profession sports are they too good or too proud make a living using the degree they have? should a team that drafts an athlete coming out of school before getting a degree put in thier contract that they must finish that degree in a certain number of years in order to receive a signing bonus? or maybe a percentage of the salaries these atletes make should be contractually paid into an account they can only access after thier career is over and then paid out on a monthly basis like any pension is. you get out of life what you put into it. don't plan ahead, don't cry on my shoulder.

What seems to be getting lost in all of this, is that the current, active NFL players can help alleviate this dilema by simply voting to provide more funds to this cause. They should also (through Gene Upshaw) take the lead in this by calling out the owners to match their contribution. Current players are blind to the fact that everyone will be a "former" player someday. In a league full of riches, and seemingly unending revenue generating opportunities (for instance the fledgling NFL Network), it's a shame that former players are going homeless. To those who say that these players have made more during their (short) careers than the average Joe, remember it's these debilitating injuries, and the cost to treat them, that have lead them to their current state. It's unconscionable that Gene Upshaw and Dave Duerson try to defend their positions by saying that they're helping when all they're doing is trying to avoid providing the kind of security that these former players need.

The escalation in player salaries has been geometric in the last 15-20 years - especially for non-stars. The same goes for endorsement money.

In the 70's and early 80's there were maybe only a handful of players on each team making more than $250,000 to $500,000 per year while the other 40-45 were making $40, $50, $80k. In relative terms the "average" NFL player made maybe 2-3 times the median salary of an average non-NFL worker.

Today the "average" NFL player makes probably 5-7 times (at least) the average non-NFL worker's salary and has a greater ability to save for the future (unlike the prior generations of players).

I believe very strongly that the current owners and players have a duty to fund greater retirement, disability, and medical benefits for retired players. Especially due to the dramatic relative rise in player salaries and club revenues in recent years. While much of what players and owners make today is due to their hard work and dedication, it is built upon a foundation laid by those that played (and owned) before them.

BUNCH OF CRAP!! these owners that get paided oh lets see hunreds of millions of dollars and they cant even help out the players and coaches that retired with them. so im going to have to say that i am siding with the retired players and coaches ,Ditka, and saying NFLPA spread the love and the money for ditka and the rest!!!

Roman responds: Ditka's not looking for any money for himself. He's making enough.

I feel strongly that the current players should pony up money for the guys that came before them. But I know in reality that the fans are the ones who will foot any bill that these guys will pass through. Upshaw is a crook who shouldn't be making 4 million dollars. Duerson is right about Ditka not exactly caring about players who were hurt and he wanted out on the field. Ditka actually played at times when he can barely walk and that endeared him to Chicagoans who made him insanely rich. He could just as well be one of those players. You never hear about him coming out of his pocket for any of the guys that played for him. He's talking about the guys who were playing when he was suiting up. Not all the guys who played for him signed million dollar deals or had great endorsements. I don't think he cares one way or the other about players today but he's using one or two to stake his case. And it shouldn't matter what Duerson did in his private life. The whole thing comes back to the league and the union for the players. Name one union that isn't filled with crooks? Also why do we expect that former players are to be taken care of when as a country we do very little for the guys who protect our freedom? Namely the Armed forces. So many people talk about sports like it's a war and the real warriors who never made 35 thousand a year are treated like secondary citizens. Veterans get 3 days to celebrate all year round and former players get free drinks and just about anything , on the house, because they played a sport ,whenever you see them. Do you buy military vets drinks or shake their hands for what they did? You guys also chew up players all the time and spit them out. Why shouldn't you pay for that entertainment?

Nobody is bringing up the Elephant in the Closet, which is, how the players of yesteryear (how often can you use that word by the way?) didnt have the advantage of Modern Medicine and many are suffering from latent chronic injuries and medic complications from playing through injury, playing sick, playing while concussed, risking spinal and brain damage and lets not even touch the Steroid issue. I can only imagine what these iron man football players mustve put themselves through to get this league off the ground and to where it is today. The players,owners,fans and media OWE the players of old more than we will ever know.

Next time your trying to figure out which QB should start in your fantasy football league so you can get through the work week, think about how the old NFL players actually had to work a second job, so they could just keep food on their tables.

The fact that this is even a debate is sickening.

Great comments from everyone posting on this topic. I just want to echo the sentiment that players have a responsibility to themselves and their families to begin preparing for life after football at the start of their careers, not at the end of them. Demarco, if I am to understand this correctly made pretty good money while playing in the NFL. And he did not play back in the 70's or 80's when salaries were relatively smaller. I, too, am confused about how the stories of the 2 sides could be so different. But I have to admit that my perception is influenced when I see a guy like Ditka rush to either corner. Ditka appears to me as being more misinformed about topics than his NFL peers that are given similar opportunity to have their voices heard. Just look at the way he carries himself as an analyst. He strikes me as a guy that does not do his homework before speaking out and has been coddled over the years by people that worship the ground he walks on. So naturally, he thinks a transition from football great to football coaching great to restaurant owner to player activist is a natural one. But it's not. And there are people within the NFL community out there who come across are far more knowledgeable than him and I get a sense they want to roll their eyes whenever Ditka speaks. Maybe this Demarco guy is getting the run-around. That would truly be a shame. But if Ditka or anyone else is that concerned, maybe he can help get him a job where he can be a part of a group health insurance plan. He seemed fairly articulate in his press conference address so I suspect he is capable of doing something. If he is truly disabled and incapable of working at all, I am just at a loss as to how he wouldn't qualify for some sort of the benefits through the NFL or from the government like you or I would. And to think he likely earned somewhere in the range of 5 million in salary alone over his NFL career and has nothing today, well I can't help but think there must be an element of personal mismanagement of his finances that has to be considered.

Upshaw trotting out Duerson to be his b-boy was funny. Duerson has always been a bit of a moth with the cameras but that is more of a statement on the '85 Bears (and Ditka) - the team that won't go away!

WOW, A WHOLE 10,000 DOLLARS, people thats a drop in the bucket when it comes to todays medical bills. Last year I suffered a spinal stroke, I have had 7 MRIs they cost over 5,000 a piece,
2 spinal taps at about a 1,000, 2 cat scans, over 5,300e, as well as lab tests. Then theres the doctors fees, the radiologist, lab fees, more tests, Physical therapy fees, not to mention the cost of staying in a hospital [avg. 2,000 a day]. My bills have run into 6 figures. Lets not forget about the high cost of drugs. Even with good insurance, out of pocket expenses in a one year can run into thousands. The NFL and the union should be ashamed of themselves. As far as Duerson, I have met him, hes an opionated (*&%8) jerk.

I have two issues with this entire situation. Number one, we are discussing assisting guys who played during some severe racial times in the NFL. Back when black and white players did not even dress, eat or live in the same places. I refuse to feel sorry for any player that supported segregation. Secondly, too bad that money was not saved up for them. My cable bill goes up every year to support the bloated NFL tv contracts. Do you think the current owners and players will sacrifice any money out of their swollen bank accounts? Of course not. The cost will be passed down to the fans. These are the the same jerks that 40 something year old men swoon like 16 year olds at their first concert. Now that these guys are humble they want you to feel sorry for them, but out in public in their prime, they practically curse you out if you speak to them.

Did you people know Dikta's pension is $7,857 per month and has been increased recently? I do not care how sickly you are wouldn't you like to have that for a pension?

DaMarco is 35 and has a $150,000 401(k)plane he could be using right now. I understand the man is ill, but why is he not using this money?

We all love Dikta, but I do not think he is telling the whole truth. That is understandable, he is old school and view issues differently. The man played during a time when as he states often "Old man Halas threw nickels around like manhole covers". Does this mean the Halases should be upping more money for their former players considering they sale out every game, and has done this for decades?

I am not taking sides, I am just posing questions.

What does Dikta want for every player such as a Cedric Benson, Cade McNown, or the knucklehead who quarterbacked last year team to the Super Bowl, are they to give a fourth of their Bonus money towards the NFL retirement coffers?

I believe these are present day numbers, DO NOT quote me on them.

Pay rises base on the number of years in service:

Years Experience Minimum Salary

------ 0 ---------------- $225,000
------ 1 ---------------- $300,000
------ 2 ---------------- $375,000
------ 3 ---------------- $450,000
------ 4 to 6 ----------- $525,000
------ 7 to 9 ----------- $650,000
----- 10 plus years --- $750,000

Upshaw does not need Duerson to be a mouth piece for him. Personally, Dikta might not like having a former player challenge him, and this could be causing a brouhaha.

I am amaze you guys want money taken out of another person's check when I know majority of you would cry FOUL if taxes are raised or the check was yours.

I see Hampton came out and defended Ditka today. He used his own situation to say that Ditka cared about his players. I'd like to see how many of them are willing to come out and talk freely without wondering if Chicagoans will bite their head off if they don't side with Ditka. I can't see where any coach who wanted to win didn't want his players out there every game regardless if they were hurt. You can't tell me Ditka never used the"when I played" mantra whenever he wanted it. Hampton hated McMahon because he figured that Jim didn't want to play hurt and during the Super bowl season he didn't like The Fridge because of his endorsements. He's human and it's only human to side with who you figured got you what you have. If a guy comes out on the opposite side of Ditka in this town on any issue, it can be the kiss of death. No more free meals at IHOP and Bennigans. I sure wouldn't want to pay for my meals if I rarely did to begin with.

I coached Dave Duersons kids for 10 years when they were growing up, and I never saw him.

Come on Dude, maybe if you spent a little more time at your sons little league games and less time trying to get your name back in the NFL conversation, people would like you.

But, man he could HIT.

People...let's clear up a few things...

WRD - maybe it's just me but I can't stand Ditka or any of the 1985 self-promoters from that team. Not a Bear season can go by without these same jughead Bear fans who won't let that team go or can't assess Lovie's job without bringing up "da coach". Nauseating...

bculz..we must be talking about a different Duerson. He couldn't hold Todd Bell's jock. He made some Pro Bowls but that was more about being a part of a great D. Duerson was good against the run but could not cover nor did he have any speed, and he was never much of a hitter - certainly not in Bell's league. He was and still is a moth around the cameras. He also suggested on talk radio back before Dent was up for the Hall that he hoped he, himself had a shot at the Hall. That convinced me this guy is delusional.

I clearly support Ditka on this one.

Comparing NFL to the average worker is I think an unfair comparision. The NFL is a contact sport which in itself forces its players in many respects to play hurt and most jobs do not put that same level of burden on your body.

And the difference between players that were playing 30-40 years ago compared to the ones that are playing now is that the salary structure is quite a bit different. While NFL players could expect to only play 3-5 years in the league, they are expected to live with those injuries for the rest of their lifetimes.

It is a shame that the NFLPA has decided to attack former players the way that they have. I think that in future years we are going to see more and more cases of players being permanently disabled from their careers in football and it is ashame to see them not get the financial support they need to continue on with a healthy and fruitful life.

A few things most people don't know or don't consider about this situation from a former insider:

1) Retired players have rules to follow regarding their pension, medical benefits, etc. just like every other worker in America, and many of those rules are set by the insurance companies, medical carriers, etc., just like they would be for any company. Johnny Unitas is a perfect example. The media likes to use him as an example of how retired players are done wrong, but the fact is he applied for his medical pension past the deadline for applying. The NFLPA cannot make an exception because its Johnny Unitas, but the fact is, guys have to follow the plan rules, and some of those guys aren't great at following rules, and they assume exceptions will be made. They won't.

2) The vast majority of the guys of yesteryear take their pensions early, and therefore get a severly reduced amount. Despite the comments about millionaire players, the fact is that most players then and now will not have nearly enough to live off for a lifetime, and they better find another way to make money and save for retirement, outside of the NFL pension plan.

3) The retired players have received TWO hikes in their pension money since Gene has been in charge. Of course they never talk about that, and they never think its enough. But Gene works for the ACTIVE PLAYERS, and his responsibility is to them, period.

4) Tomorrow I want you to ask your coworkers, "Hey. Some people who worked here 30 and 40 years ago really feel like they built this company, and their benefits aren't up to par. Therefore, I think we should all give a percentage of our current compensation and benefit pool to them, because after all, if it weren't for them, we may not be working here." See what the response is. People are trying to secure their own futures now, not correct the issues of the past. Sad but true, and that is the sentiment of the younger players.

5) Although the current medical review system is broken (I'll admit that), a lot of these guys are flat out envious of the current players status and benefits, and therefore will never be satisfied. They do need to address the medical assessment process, but trust me, some of these guys will complain until the end of time because the took the physical beating witout getting the financial reward that the players of today get.

Ditka, yeah I remember that guy.

Wasn't he the one who lost in the playoffs year after year even though he had the best personnel in the NFL? Wasn't he the one who had a team that was even better than the one he had for the Superbowl the next year, but managed to not even make it back to the big show?

Wasn't he the guy who effectively benched Walter Payton for the second half of Payton's final game, after Payton had scored two touchdowns in the first half? And didn't they end up losing that game?

Ditka was a vain and pathetic loser who always wanted the spotlight on him, and was jealous of his players when they got too much attention. Buddy Ryan was great. Mike Singletary was great. Richard Dent, McMichael, Payton, Dave Duerson, Dan Hampton, just to name a few, were great. Ditka is the luckiest man alive that he happened to land on a team that was so talented that it should have won three or four Superbowls, and who was only a bad enough coach to throw away two or three of them. For this he is beloved in Chicago.

Ditka can go to he!!. If he had any shame he would give every cent he has to the players who he robbed of multiple championships.

Your opinions of Ditka, Duerson, Upshaw, etc. notwithstanding, I think adding a dollar to ticket prices is actually a good idea. Making current players pay for their predescessors would only drive up their salaries, in turn ticket prices would increase anyway to cover that cost. I'd rather see a line item on my season-ticket invoice for the former players in need. It would be an extra $20 for the entire season.

I like Former Insider's post, but asking current employees to take care of the people who came before them isn't realistic in a non-union company. The purpose of a union is to take care of its members who can't take care of themselves, past and present.

Roman responds: If you want to give money, donate to gridirongreats.net. Part of that $1 raise on your tickets would go to Upshaw's salary.

Dave Duerson is, and always will be a self-important horse's behind who will never be accepted as anything more than a replacement player for Todd Bell in 1986. He's bitter at the world, and apparently at people close to him.

Roman, Bears season tickets have been in my family for almost 60 years. I personally have been a season-ticket holder since the rebuilt Soldier Field opened in '03. I have already been paying Upshaw's salary, as well as countless other past and present employees of the NFL - some who are probably bigger jerks than he is. I would never begrudge someone a salary for doing their job. If he is not doing his job to the liking of the union members, they could vote him out. That's not up to me. Every time I pick up a Sun-Times, I am contributing to your salary too. If the price of the paper went up a couple of cents, would I suddenly stop buying it because I don't like Mariotti? No. As I already stated in a previous comment, it's the allocation of that dollar that I'd be concerned about. Ticket prices have risen every single year. I still buy them, and I would still buy them if they were a dollar more.

"Comparing NFL to the average worker is I think an unfair comparision. The NFL is a contact sport which in itself forces its players in many respects to play hurt and most jobs do not put that same level of burden on your body."

Who is putting a gun to their heads to play football to begin with? I'm sure they liked it when someone was paying for their tuition and they were the bmoc...maybe they should have studied a little or realized they wouldn't be able to play football till their 50's.

Enough of the belly-aching...from the players, Ditka, and the meat-head Bear fans who actually believe every word out of this clown's mouth.

That is it! Most not informed NITWITS re: Former players! Game on, contact me anytime @ 312 ..... I'am the person that writes the checks to these heroes! R.D.Krebs/ Co- Trustee Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Trust.

Roman responds: Robert, I don't post telephone numbers. If you want to state facts or an opinion, I'll post that.

Maybe we can also set aside a fund to help bail former players out of Jail after they get into strip club shooting incidents???

Pac Man strikes again!

Roman responds: Why don't these guys just pay strippers to come to their houses? Or maybe get a girlfriend.

Maybe, we combined a pension fund with a share of ownership in a 'House Calls Stipping Service', and that way all the ex players can STAY SAFE, STAY EMPLOYED AND STAY RICH!

WIN WIN WIN

Well there you have it! See you Thursday. When the #'s are done, many in the media are going win the" Dan Rather Award". Shame on all of you!I have lists, apon lists, of players who are no longer homeless,rent paided for, and paided medical bills.The #'s will be done!The common man, the common fan, can not believe that these men are being treated like DOGS! I dare to say, that I have written more checks recently, than the nflpa. Merry Christmas, facts confuse the heart, when the facts are wrong.