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pumpf · 09-18-2018, 01:30 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/18/group-of-hall-of-famers-demands-an-annual-salary-and-health-benefits/

Some Hall of Famers want an annual salary- and health benefits- for themselves (as members of the HOF). Lots of things could be said, but it seems like the easiest solution is to remove those folks from the HOF. Problem solved.

09-18-2018, 01:34 PM

By the way, it's possible that "our" players were not directly involved. From the article: Carl Eller's name was spelled, "Ellard".

09-18-2018, 01:40 PM

I don't have any problem with what the players are asking for. None.

09-18-2018, 01:45 PM

The NFL, can without a doubt, afford it. I'm for the healthcare ask, the annual salary? No.

09-18-2018, 01:49 PM

Healthcare is huge money, but the NFL can afford it.

Most unions will agree to a little less compensation up front to provide for those who worked before them. As much as I think the NFL can afford healthcare, the players could help more with that for retirees, also.

09-18-2018, 02:10 PM

This needs to be more than just the hall of Fame players. It will likely be negotiated in the next contract. how many years and how much will be curious. The next question will be if football popularity ever declines the health expense could begin to become a burden.

09-18-2018, 02:16 PM

I sincerely hope they get the help with the healthcare. I don't see anything wrong with them asking for it.

09-18-2018, 02:34 PM

No problems, seems like a reasonable request. Remember Karl Kassulke and some of the other former players who left everything on the field.

09-18-2018, 02:35 PM

Quote: @StickyBun said:
The NFL, can without a doubt, afford it. I'm for the healthcare ask, the annual salary? No.

I think they could make a case that the NFL is making continued money off their likeness. Now they probably waivered that all away but I understand their stance.

09-18-2018, 03:08 PM

Quote: @StickyBun said:
The NFL, can without a doubt, afford it. I'm for the healthcare ask, the annual salary? No.

I don't like the argument "they can afford it", because that's the same thinking that some have about taxes. Yes, I have more money than some others do (although probably less than the median), but I don't like the idea of anyone thinking that- therefore- I should give them some of mine. All the money that the NFL has- is money they "earned" through negotiated TV contracts, PSL (which I think are stupid and wrong- but if people will pay for them...) and the salaries that they have paid players. NFL players (these days, anyway) are paid more money than most of us will ever see in an entire life-time of working. That's OK; that's what the "market" allows for. And 99% of them have worked (physically) harder than most of us can even imagine. I don't begrudge them their salaries at all. But I think it's wrong for them to- retroactively- demand more from the NFL. Some of the old-timers didn't get much (especially compared to today's players... for example, Rickey Young had to become a car-salesman after his career was over because, back then, players were not "set for life"); I'm sympathetic towards them; but why should they get any kind of special privileges that the rest of us don't? I can promise you that- after 40 years or so in my chosen vocation- I won't be getting any special severance packages. What I will retire on... is what I save/put away today.

All that being said, doesn't it bother anyone that the HOF'ers are ONLY asking for these things for themselves- not the entire league?