Good Friday to You Steelers’ Fans.
For those that don’t know, there is great potential for a work stoppage in the NFL coming. The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has already issued statements to its’ members that they should be saving money now to prepare for a pro-longed period of time off. I’ll get to the issues in a moment but understand this; the NFLPA is among the weaker unions in all of pro sports. There are many reasons for this but among the largest is that the NFL is not comparable to the other three major sports. They all play significantly more games in a season and that often hampers the players’ attempts in getting what they feel are better collective bargaining agreements. Football careers are also significantly shorter than those in the other sports as well so the opportunity at making money is smaller. As for the issues that are coming… As more states legalize recreational marijuana, the push by players will be greater. Many believe it helps them with pain and injuries and many, like now retired Chris Long, openly admit using it. They just know when to stop using it prior to the testing period. But that’s not the only issue either. With Roger Goodell pushing again for a shorter preseason and longer regular season, players will want comparable compensation, expanded roster sizes and will also push for lifetime health care. But… if other teams are like the Steelers, they’re in no hurry for an expanded regular season period. Like any negotiation, there will be give and take by both sides but the NFLPA has to find some victories in this round which may in fact lead to a stoppage that sees games missed and replacement players involved. Let’s hope not but there is definitely trouble ahead.
Huge congrats to two people we really like here at SCB. Our friends Jas and Brandon announced their engagement last evening. They are both HUGE Steelers fans and outstanding people. Best wishes to you both!
Tweet of the Day… If you don’t know the story about Dwight White and Super Bowl IX then educate yourself.
What Dwight White did in dragging himself out of a hospital bed to play and play well vs. the Vikings in Super Bowl IX was an act of athletic heroism. And he did it for a #Steelers team that hadn't accomplished anything yet. https://t.co/ZjdglqQF3H
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) June 6, 2019
The Steelers are now through with their ‘voluntary’ workouts. The team’s mandatory mini-camp will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Then the players will break for the summer and we’ll see them back at Training Camp in Latrobe.
If you aren’t sure that quarterback salaries in the NFL are out of control then may I present Carson Wentz. The Philly QB has agreed to a four-year extension worth $128 million with almost $108 million of it guaranteed. Wentz has a career record of 23-17 and he’s never started a postseason game. I guess coming off of Kirk Cousins’ deal this doesn’t appear so bad…. Sheesh!
The organization, from coaches and players to staff and other personnel came together yesterday to pack over 16,000 meals for Pittsburgh Area homeless folks. Well done Steelers!
Have a great weekend Steeler Nation!
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