When NFL Players Association president JC Tretter suggested that running backs fake injuries to create leverage without which suggests that running backs fake injuries to create leveragethe union seems to have a problem.
This is now done.
By Mark Maske on Washington PostTHE The league filed a complaint against the NFLPA last weekwhich accused the union of advising to run back on fake damages as a contract negotiation tactic.
Said Tretter, in July: “You have to try to create as much leverage as you can. And that’s the hard thing about the franchise tag, or being restricted from moving, it reduces your leverage, but you have to find creative ways to build leverage elsewhere. I think we’ve seen issues – now, I don’t think anyone would say they’re fake injuries, but we’ve seen players who don’t want to be where they are now, have injuries that make them unable to practice and play, but you can’t be fined, and you can’t be punished for not reporting. So there are issues like that. I don’t think I’m allowed to recommend that, at least publicly, but I think every player is must find a way to increase leverage to try to get a fair deal. And that’s exactly what all men are looking for, to be paid fairly. “
We are writing after the comments are running back it is wise not to take advice, for many reasons. We also wrote this: “Despite the accuracy of what he said, it was not something he should have said. His words can be used against him, against the union, or against specific players if/when a grievance or other proceeding (such as an unfair labor practice case) arises in question among the players. which are feigned damages.
This is happening now.
It will be interesting to see if the case cites the Colts’ experience with running back Jonathan Taylor as evidence of the dynamic move. During the early days of the standoff between team and player, someone from the Colts (my guess: owner Jim Irsay) told several reporters through an off-the-record leak that the Colts may reclassify Taylor from the physically unable to perform list. (due to a lingering ankle injury from football) to the non-football injury list (due to an alleged back injury from exercising himself). Recently, GM Chris Ballard said that Taylor had lingering pain in his ankle, and that the Colts would never question a player’s claim that he was experiencing pain.
The NFLPA will soon experience another kind of pain, as Tretter’s wink-nod effort to attract players to milk damages for financial leverage has become the focus of a legal battle.