In an Op-Ed in Friday’s Washington Post, Mark Murphy, former Washington Redskin’s kicker and now president of the Green Bay Packers, expressed confidence that a “common-sense approach” will lead to ”an agreement that works for players, teams and fans.” It is encouraging that our analysis of Murphy’s comments found no signs of deception.
The key issues Murphy addressed include a rookie wage scale; a revised year-round football calendar, with 18 regular-season games, two preseason games and fewer off-season practices; and additional steps to enhance player safety. Murphy, a former NFL player who is now solidly entrenched in the owners’ camp, appeared to be sincere in his commentary. It’s clear to us that Murphy’s view that “exorbitant and inefficient spending on rookies” represents the biggest stumbling block between owners and the NFL Players Association. The NFLPA should therefore take note and understand that the owners are serious about that issue.
Our primary takeaway here is that, unlike so many negotiations that are characterized by greed, deception and all-out efforts to win at all costs by one or both sides, the current impasse between owners and players can be overcome by straight talk on both sides. Murphy appears to be doing exactly that with respect to the issue of spending on rookies, and he should be commended for his honesty.
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