The death of Gene Upshaw, president of the National Football League Players Association, sent shockwaves through the sports world yesterday. Not only was Upshaw a hugely influential person in the present-day NFL, but he had been for 25 years. Upshaw led the NFL players to the riches of unrestricted free agency and the current collective bargaining agreement that provides NFL players with a greater percentage of team revenue than ever before.
Upshaw was also controversial. His close relationship with former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue was scrutinized, as was the NFL’s lack of guaranteed contracts. Most recently, Upshaw tangled with a group of former NFL players, led by Mike Ditka, that sought improved benefits for retired players.
Telll all the retired, disabled, NFL players that he abandoned, how he is a gentleman. I bet they don’t share the same opinion of him!!!