NFL: Matt Leinart .. Eli Manning Situation Part Deux?

[DeToxRox]

Ron Jaworski was just on Sportscenter and he said he's heard from his sources that Matt Leinart will hold out as to not go to New Orleans.

I guess I can understand his situation better then Eli's with all the uncertainty in the organization, but if true, the NFL has to step in. This cannot become precedent in the NFL or else the Draft will lose any credibility.

Anyways, what are your guys thoughts on this potential situation?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I understand that I'm exaggerating here, but I think the Saints have nothing to lose. I say that they draft him and let him hold out if he wants to be that way. I don't think it'll happen, but I'd love to see it if this is true.

[Swaggs]

This is not something new. Bo Jackson and John Elway did the same thing.

[DeToxRox]

This is not something new. Bo Jackson and John Elway did the same thing.

I understand that, but this would be twice in three years, and with the athletes of today becoming increasingly more selfish, I could see it becoming a serious trend.

[ISiddiqui]

This pre draft hold out threat seriously threatens the idea of a draft. I'm not sure what the NFL can do about it however.

[Surtt]

This is not something new. Bo Jackson and John Elway did the same thing.


I guess I would consider what Bo did as different.
Bo didn't hold out and force a trade, he went and played baseball.

[DeToxRox]

This pre draft hold out threat seriously threatens the idea of a draft. I'm not sure what the NFL can do about it however.

All I can think of is the team can hold the rights of the player for 5 years or until he signs. That wouldn't let people hold out till the next draft.

[Masked]

All I can think of is the team can hold the rights of the player for 5 years or until he signs. That wouldn't let people hold out till the next draft.You would have to combine that with predetermined salaries so teams couldn't just give lowball offers to the player knowing that they have no choice but to accept.

[SirFozzie]

Which will get the entire idea of a draft killed, as it would keep people from making a living. Trust me, any sport that even hints of such a measure will get lawsuited out of that idea.

[DeToxRox]

You would have to combine that with predetermined salaries so teams couldn't just give lowball offers to the player knowing that they have no choice but to accept.

It'd work in theory, and I agree thats a good idea. I just can't see either idea ever happening.

[Solecismic]

I don't see it as that big a deal. Just look at how Philip Rivers' career was affected by just a one-month holdout. His entire legacy as a professional quarterback is forever altered.

I doubt Leinart would seriously decline to play, given the opportunity. The Saints should call his bluff, and Leinart will see a huge dose of "Philip Who?" signs shown on television during the first Saints' practice he misses.

San Diego called Manning's bluff, and found a willing trade partner. I'm sure New Orleans will figure something out. As for the NFL, the draft is far too important - they'd never let a tiny number of cases harm the system.

[cthomer5000]

I agree with Jim. Let's all calm down.

[st.cronin]

When you consider that there's at least a chance the Saints could be moved to LA at some point, I agree that New Orleans is probably the best situation out there for him.

[JPhillips]

I won't fault anyone for wanting to get away from the Saints/Benson mess. The owner is crazy and they may or may not have a home to play in next season. They almost certainly will be looking to move in the next five years and the franchise has shown no ability to put together a winner in the salary cap era.

I don't know anything about lIenart, but saying he won't go to the Saints seems like good sense to me.

[cthomer5000]

When you consider that there's at least a chance the Saints could be moved to LA at some point, I agree that New Orleans is probably the best situation out there for him.
REally? Crazy owner, coaching situation that is up in the air, at least 1 year as a semi-nomadic team very likely.... I would completely understand wanting to play elsewhere (I wouldn't mind the Jets moving up to #2, personall).

[Draft Dodger]

It'd work in theory, and I agree thats a good idea. I just can't see either idea ever happening.

and I really don't get WHY it would never happen. rookie salaries take money away from veterans...the guys that are already IN the union. why they wouldn't want to protect their own salaries is beyond me.

[Schmidty]

I understand that, but this would be twice in three years, and with the athletes of today becoming increasingly more selfish, I could see it becoming a serious trend.

How is it selfish to want to have some input as to where you go to work for the next 5-6 years? I don't blame these guys.

[SirFozzie]

How is it selfish to want to have some input as to where you go to work for the next 5-6 years? I don't blame these guys.

Holy shit, Schmidty, you and I agree on something? :)

[Rockstar]

I think that the Saints will trade the pick anyway. Hurricane Katrina threw the monkey wrench in the NFLs attempt to move the Saints to LA without losing a ton of fan goodwill. But that never stopped them before....
The NFL is loooooooong overdue to have a scale system for rookie contracts. Do we even have to compile a list to make this valid? As for guys saying they wont play for who drafts them, I say let them not play. Not for just a year but for the average length of the contract in the round they were drafted. When guys apply for the draft, they enter the system of their chosen profession. The sport can survive without any player.

[DeToxRox]

How is it selfish to want to have some input as to where you go to work for the next 5-6 years? I don't blame these guys.

Yes, but when you play a pro sport you know this is what is required from the job.

I am sick of people comparing sports to real jobs because they're not. A pro sports player is a rare person who deals with rare conditions.

You want to make millions? Then deal with it.

[SirFozzie]

Yes, but when you play a pro sport you know this is what is required from the job.

I am sick of people comparing sports to real jobs because they're not. A pro sports player is a rare person who deals with rare conditions.

You want to make millions? Then deal with it.

Restraint of trade is restraint of trade. doesn't matter if you're a plumber or a sports player or an actress.

[DeToxRox]

Restraint of trade is restraint of trade. doesn't matter if you're a plumber or a sports player or an actress.

What about military? They join up but they cannot choose (for the most part) where they're deployed. That's their job.

Again, if an athlete doesn't like where he's headed, don't go, he has a degree to fall back on. Sports aren't his only option.

[cthomer5000]

You want to make millions? Then deal with it.
If he is drafted by the Saints, then he will have to "deal with it" in some form or another. Months before the draft, I have no problem with him floating rumors that he has no interest in playing for a piece of shit franchise. Right now is the time where he has control, so he should be free to exercise it.

[Solecismic]

Restraint of trade is restraint of trade. doesn't matter if you're a plumber or a sports player or an actress.

The value of the league is very closely tied to the concept that teams have an equitable manner of choosing up sides.

The draft system is accepted by both the league and the NFLPA as a system that enhances the overall package. Location is mostly immaterial, and should be viewed only as a perk for long-time employees, like we see an extra week's vacation.

[BrianD]

Restraint of trade is restraint of trade. doesn't matter if you're a plumber or a sports player or an actress.

Most jobs list travel requirements and locations of employment for people to use to decide if they want the job. Most players can be drafted anywhere and then traded anywhere. There are no surprises and people choose to put up with it to make millions.

[SirFozzie]

What about military? They join up but they cannot choose (for the most part) where they're deployed. That's their job.

Again, if an athlete doesn't like where he's headed, don't go, he has a degree to fall back on. Sports aren't his only option.

That's because a person signing up for the military waives his right to determine where he works

[Maple Leafs]

I doubt Leinart would seriously decline to play, given the opportunity. The Saints should call his bluff, and Leinart will see a huge dose of "Philip Who?" signs shown on television during the first Saints' practice he misses.
Not to mention he'd go from being the lovable golden boy to "the guy who won't play for the city that was wiped out by the hurricane". Can't see that playing out well for him.

[SirFozzie]

The value of the league is very closely tied to the concept that teams have an equitable manner of choosing up sides.

The draft system is accepted by both the league and the NFLPA as a system that enhances the overall package. Location is mostly immaterial, and should be viewed only as a perk for long-time employees, like we see an extra week's vacation.

Jim, does the words "reserve clause" mean anything to you? The fact is that a player who is not part of the NFLPA, and has not signed anything similar to what the NFLPA has agreed to, is not, and SHOULD not, be bound by its terms. The NFLPA is basically the NFL's whipping boy anyway, Remember Kiddies.. team cuts player and renegs on paying tens of millions of dollars, good business sense, but player sits out on contract and wants some more cash, Greedy selfish player.

The reserve clause was struck down 30 years ago last year ('75). and since that time, the amount of control that owners have had over the free market has slipped. Let's not forget that Elway and Bo both sat out a year, and there wasn't the cries of woe is sports, and as far as I can tell, sports aren't doomed, are they?

In our life time, the draft will be successfully challenged and dismantled.

[albionmoonlight]

Players who have options can afford to sit out the draft. Eli came from a family of millionaires. Elway and Bo both had the ability to play baseball at the MLB level. I have yet to hear of a case where someone who either did not have access to millions of dollars or the ability to make millions of dollars doing something besides the NFL actually was able to engineer a "I'll not play for franchise X" deal.

It is one thing to say that you don't want to play for the team with the crazy owner who is trying to destroy his franchise so that fan support will erode and the team will be able to leave. It is another thing to turn down a $15,000,000 signing bonus staring you in the face.

Does anyone know if Leinart is independently wealthy?

[cthomer5000]

Does anyone know if Leinart is independently wealthy?
I've heard his parents are quite well off, though I imagine someone with better knowledge of the USC program can provide a lot more detail.

He also has some "loss of value" insurance policy with Lloyds of London, in which they will apparently make up the difference in money between the #1 pick and wherever he actually gets taken. I would imagine this policy must have some language in it to stop them from having to pay off it he somehow is judged to have intentionally lowering his own value though.

[sabotai]

Does anyone know if Leinart is independently wealthy?
I could see him signing a few really good sponsorship deals the second the game with Texas is over. So, he might not be now, but I could see him being wealthy by the time the draft happens. Obviously not Jabron James type deals, but he could sell his image for a nice chunk of change by then.

[Galaril]

He, Leinart may be hoping to get back together with his former offensive coordinator Norm Chow in Tennessee which has the 3rd pick overall. Chow is installing his USC offense into the Titans and Leinart would be a fine fit to the youngest team in the NFL.

[MizzouRah]

Yes, but when you play a pro sport you know this is what is required from the job.

I am sick of people comparing sports to real jobs because they're not. A pro sports player is a rare person who deals with rare conditions.

You want to make millions? Then deal with it.
So am I, bravo. I hope Eli and Giants lose because I can't stand him and holdout self. Boo Hoo Eli.. and if Leinhart does it, he'll go on my shit list as well.

[Rockstar]

Does anyone know if Leinart is independently wealthy?


I hear that USC pays its star players quite well.

[LionsFan10]

I hear that USC pays its star players quite well.

HAR! :p

[Galaxy]

In our life time, the draft will be successfully challenged and dismantled.


How would you challenge it? The NFL and the Players Union have a CBA. The rules of entering the league are in that CBA. The challenges of the past year by Mike Williams and the Clarett have not ruled in favor of them.

[Logan]

The only way it could really be challenged is if the Players Union decided to step up to the plate for one of the kids, which I don't see happening. Sports leagues and their player unions don't have any of the same rules apply to them as other professional associations in "the real world," so it just won't happen.

[Crapshoot]

I understand that, but this would be twice in three years, and with the athletes of today becoming increasingly more selfish, I could see it becoming a serious trend.

yes, what a horrible desire - to control where you work. The selfishness of it all!

Man, when it comes to the NFL, everyone becomes a bloody communist.

[Crapshoot]

Restraint of trade is restraint of trade. doesn't matter if you're a plumber or a sports player or an actress.

preach on !

[sterlingice]

So am I, bravo. I hope Eli and Giants lose because I can't stand him and holdout self. Boo Hoo Eli.. and if Leinhart does it, he'll go on my shit list as well.*cough*JD Drew*battery*

SI

[Tigercat]

Don't be a baby ML, SOMEONE has to play for the Saints and its not going to be easy for anyone. Take the difficult situation and run with it.

He gained my respect through gutsy play at USC this year, but if he pulls pretty boy crap like this through the draft, he will lose it.

*And I think this situation is a good deal different than the other hold out situations because no one really wants to play for the Saints right now, but the NFL has made a committment to the city/region, and if you want to play for the NFL you better be ready to be drafted into that committment too.

[MizzouRah]

*cough*JD Drew*battery*

SI
Didn't really care for JD Drew either when I found that out.

Again, lets just get rid of the draft in pro sports and have players just pick where they want to play.. you go 2-14, tough shit.

[TroyF]

Good luck. The sides have a CBA and as of now the NFL has won in court everytime it's been challenged. If the holdouts become a problem, the two sides WILL work to find a way to end it.

You think the players are going to side with a bunch of guys who have never proven themselves in a game?

The draft should and will be kept.

Having said all that, if Leinhart wants to throw a fit and try to force himself out? Fine. He only has some sort of impact on where he'll play a couple of times in his career. This is one of those times. Go ahead and do what you can to see to it that you won't play where you don't want.

But don't say one damned word if the Saints draft you, refuse to trade you and let you sit in limbo until they figure out what to do with you. Also don't say one damned word when because of your actions the NFL moves to close the 1 year loophole for any future player. If this becomes a trend, the NFL will close that (probably by making it that a team holds your rights for two years would be my guess)

It's a union job. You can choose to abide by the rules and the unions wishes, or you can go play in Canada. In the meantime, you have things you can do. Don't workout for the Saints. Hold out. Sit a year and rot and then see how easy it is to make up the time. (hint on that one: Ask Kelly Stoufer, Maurice Clarrett, Drew Hensen, Chad Hutchinson, etc. how that route works out. You'll essentially relegate yourself to a has been before you even start. Good luck with that)

[Crapshoot]

Didn't really care for JD Drew either when I found that out.

Again, lets just get rid of the draft in pro sports and have players just pick where they want to play.. you go 2-14, tough shit.

hell yeah!

Todd, I like you - but the stance bugs me - why wouldn't we let pro players compete in a market ? Look, I understand the draft is good from a selling perspective, and it has the effect of allowing stupid people multiple chances- but that doesn't mean one can't fundementally disagree with the principle behind it.

[jbmagic]

http://zuchinis.net/niraj/images/stories/mattleinart.jpg

http://cdn.news.aol.com/aolnews_photos/0b/05/20050225135009990001

[MizzouRah]

hell yeah!

Todd, I like you - but the stance bugs me - why wouldn't we let pro players compete in a market ? Look, I understand the draft is good from a selling perspective, and it has the effect of allowing stupid people multiple chances- but that doesn't mean one can't fundementally disagree with the principle behind it.Like Troy said, it's a union. You know what the rules are before becoming part of it. It's like an elite society and I guess I just don't understand why becoming a team's first pick in the NFL draft is something so bad?

I mean, a player can turn a franchise around, and I think a bad team shouldn't get penalized by having a drafted player tell them no. I wonder what Saints fans think of this? Maybe Bush will say no to Texas and the whole concept of the draft will be fubared.

[DeToxRox]

Like Troy said, it's a union. You know what the rules are before becoming part of it. It's like an elite society and I guess I just don't understand why becoming a team's first pick in the NFL draft is something so bad?

Touche.

[SirFozzie]

Like Troy said, it's a union. You know what the rules are before becoming part of it. It's like an elite society and I guess I just don't understand why becoming a team's first pick in the NFL draft is something so bad?

I mean, a player can turn a franchise around, and I think a bad team shouldn't get penalized by having a drafted player tell them no. I wonder what Saints fans think of this? Maybe Bush will say no to Texas and the whole concept of the draft will be fubared.

So in other words, a player should just shut up and play where they tell him he should play? Sorry, disagree.

[MizzouRah]

So in other words, a player should just shut up and play where they tell him he should play? Sorry, disagree.
Where he is drafted, yes.. I believe that. Again, what's a solution to this? Tell me a way to make draftees pick where they want to play?

Maybe ESPN can have a show dedicated to holdout news and rumors added to their schedule? They could interview Eli and he would give insight to holdout maybes on how to really play for their team of choice instead of where they are drafted. I know - a supplemental holdout draft after the college draft!

Tell me how this isn't a bad road to go down for the NFL? ..or any sports for that matter??

[Crapshoot]

Where he is drafted, yes.. I believe that. Again, what's a solution to this? Tell me a way to make draftees pick where they want to play?

Maybe ESPN can have a show dedicated to holdout news and rumors added to their schedule? They could interview Eli and he would give insight to holdout maybes on how to really play for their team of choice instead of where they are drafted. I know - a supplemental holdout draft after the college draft!

Tell me how this isn't a bad road to go down for the NFL? ..or any sports for that matter??

football (soccer) has survived with it just fine - teams sign the youth players they want, and so forth - every youth doesnt sign with the biggest and greatest team, knowing their chances. England's best player didn't make the first cut at Liverpool (Gerrard, initially). The draft is an excuse to reward consistent stupidity - at some point, isn't that the antithesis of modern day America ?

[BrianD]

So in other words, a player should just shut up and play where they tell him he should play? Sorry, disagree.

I think he should shut up and play where they tell him to play. He is getting a chance to be in the very small minority of players given the chance to play in the NFL, and he is being paid a crap-load of money.

Everybody knows how the NFL works, and if he is willing the cash the enormous checks, he should be willing to play by the rules of a sport that is doing quite well for everyone. If he isn't willing, I'm sure there are plenty of people who would love to take his roster spot.

How can it be a hardship for this guy to not be able to pick the city in which he deposits his many millions of dollars?

[BrianD]

The draft is an excuse to reward consistent stupidity - at some point, isn't that the antithesis of modern day America ?

Have you looked at modern day America lately?

[Galaxy]

I think he should shut up and play where they tell him to play. He is getting a chance to be in the very small minority of players given the chance to play in the NFL, and he is being paid a crap-load of money.

Everybody knows how the NFL works, and if he is willing the cash the enormous checks, he should be willing to play by the rules of a sport that is doing quite well for everyone. If he isn't willing, I'm sure there are plenty of people who would love to take his roster spot.

How can it be a hardship for this guy to not be able to pick the city in which he deposits his many millions of dollars?

How much one makes should be a non-issue.

[Easy Mac]

so what if he were able to opt out of the NFLPA, a la Barry Bonds or MJ in the NBA (I believe LaVarr Arrington did it for at least endorsements). If he opts out, he's not bound by the union rules of the draft, so he's a free agent right there, correct?

[Logan]

so what if he were able to opt out of the NFLPA, a la Barry Bonds or MJ in the NBA (I believe LaVarr Arrington did it for at least endorsements). If he opts out, he's not bound by the union rules of the draft, so he's a free agent right there, correct?

Correct me if I'm wrong...but Bonds and MJ were part of their respective players' associations. They just didn't participate in the licensing agreement. I believe those are very separate things.

[cuervo72]

I'd imagine Leinart would be free to play in the Arena League. That would be an available choice.

[Dutch]

So in other words, a player should just shut up and play where they tell him he should play? Sorry, disagree.

Take the silver spoon out of your mouth before you bitch.

[Solecismic]

I'm not sure why people don't see the NFL as an oligopoly. The league could not exist without a significant number of teams, and it's perfectly okay to tell someone you want to hire that there's an opening in the New Orleans office, but not in the Detroit office.

If you look at the big picture, as the NFLPA and the owners do, the draft makes a lot of sense. Leinert should have the right to decide he doesn't want to sign, and even see if he can influence the process, but ultimately, the system works because the vast majority realize it's creating a bigger pie to divide up.

While it was Eli Manning's right to create a scene, I will always root against him because of it. And I suspect many will. Hell, Jerry Magee of Pro Football Weekly has dedicated no less than 20 (maybe a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one) of his weekly columns over the last year and a half to his personal hatred of the Manning family.

[TroyF]

So in other words, a player should just shut up and play where they tell him he should play? Sorry, disagree.


Please stop with the poor battered player theory.

No, they shouldn't shut up. They should voice their opinion. But if they opt to put their names in that draft and sign the union contract, they are locked into that. Don't make it seem like these poor guys don't have a thing going for them and life just sucks really, really bad sometimes.

Fact is, that union is in support of the draft and has never to my knowledge suggested it be held any other way. In fact, quite the opposite, the union has been moving to "restrict" rookies every contract. With the rookie salary cap, the contracts are pretty much slotted into place before the draft +/- a few hundred grand.

So the guy has a choice. He has a voice. There are limits to his powers wiht that voice though. He can scream and whine and moan all he wants. And the Saints can still draft him and hold onto his rights for one full year. He's agreeing to the rules when he puts his name on that agreement.

He's not being ordered at gunpoint to make that deal. Nor is he being told he can't do what he loves. He's more than welcome to play football anywhere he so chooses. He wants to play on a semi pro team in Cleveland? The option is there for him. He wants to go to Canada? Have at it. He wants to take over pops construcion company, that's ok too.

But if he wants to play in the NFL, he plays by the rules of the union contract. Period. I don't and won't tell him he can't speak about where he WANTS to play or make threats about where he WON'T play. He more than has the right to do that. But the Saints have the right to call the bluff, pick him and let him rot for one calendar year. Both parties are playing by the rules allowed to them. A nice, fair, high stakes game of poker where both parties know the rules. Good luck to all.

[Schmidty]

Jealousy is a bitch.

Maybe some of you guys should have worked out harder, or gone to school longer. It's not Leinert's fault that you're over-analytical losers.

[Grammaticus]

Look at the history of number one picks. The majority do not go on to be superstars in the NFL. With all the hype about USC, you have 2 players touted as some of the best ever. There is a greater probability that one or both will bust as Superstars, than both become Superstars. If Leinert or Bush want to pull a trade me or I sit out move, great. Let the deals begin.

Look at the Eli Manning trade. Does anyone think SD got screwed? I personally think the Giants got the better end of the trade, but I certainly don't think SD was screwed and many feel SD got the upper hand. So what went wrong?

There are going to be Mannings, Elways and Clarretts of the world and no one is worse for wear.

[TroyF]

Jealousy is a bitch.

Maybe some of you guys should have worked out harder, or gone to school longer. It's not Leinert's fault that you're over-analytical losers.


Exactly who here is being "jealous"?

I love how terms like this get thrown around. Everyone in this thread is a football fan who spends time, money, and energy to the game they love. And they cheer for multi millionares on a daily basis.

Open up the dictionary and pick a new word. If you are going to insult everyones opinion because it isn't yours, the least you could do is be accurate with the word you use to do it with.

[Schmidty]

Exactly who here is being "jealous"?

I love how terms like this get thrown around. Everyone in this thread is a football fan who spends time, money, and energy to the game they love. And they cheer for multi millionares on a daily basis.

Open up the dictionary and pick a new word. If you are going to insult everyones opinion because it isn't yours, the least you could do is be accurate with the word you use to do it with.

Hey, I'm just happy I'm not on your ignore list. ;)

[bhlloy]

football (soccer) has survived with it just fine - teams sign the youth players they want, and so forth - every youth doesnt sign with the biggest and greatest team, knowing their chances. England's best player didn't make the first cut at Liverpool (Gerrard, initially). The draft is an excuse to reward consistent stupidity - at some point, isn't that the antithesis of modern day America ?

Yes, but only since rules saying that you have to play for a team within a certain distance of their school, and the big clubs get around it now by just moving the players school or agreeing to sign them when they get to sixteen and are allowed to move freely before they ever sign a contract with their "home" team.

Each to their own, but IMO the soccer model is horrible. Small teams are getting screwed left right and center with laughable compensation amounts for players they have trained since they were 9 or 10 and the big teams (notably Chelsea) are snapping up young kids from all around Europe to churn through their academy. Most of these kids never make it and will end up in the lower leagues anyway.

I would die for a draft in soccer, but it would never work with the structure and the laws of the game.

And I would lose a LOT of respect for Matt Leinart if he held out. Even with a crappy owner the Saints have as much chance as half the teams in the league in being respectable - it wasn't that long ago they were a playoff team. Suck it up and think of the money or don't enter the draft at all. Go to the CFL and become a free agent or something. :p

[Samdari]

I'm not sure why people don't see the NFL as an oligopoly. The league could not exist without a significant number of teams, and it's perfectly okay to tell someone you want to hire that there's an opening in the New Orleans office, but not in the Detroit office.

If you look at the big picture, as the NFLPA and the owners do, the draft makes a lot of sense. Leinert should have the right to decide he doesn't want to sign, and even see if he can influence the process, but ultimately, the system works because the vast majority realize it's creating a bigger pie to divide up.

While it was Eli Manning's right to create a scene, I will always root against him because of it. And I suspect many will. Hell, Jerry Magee of Pro Football Weekly has dedicated no less than 20 (maybe a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one) of his weekly columns over the last year and a half to his personal hatred of the Manning family.

I agree - the NFL operates more like a single employer with offices that compete for bonuses based on the performance of that office than 32 different employees. That is a much better real world analogy (not that there is really a great one, despite fans constant desire to compare it to their workplace) for the league than 32 competing companies.

It is unquestionably a socialistic model, and one that extends to almost every level (they share the bulk of revenue). But, it is one that has worked extremely well. The NFLPA is not about to challenge the draft, since whatever the league is doing has revenues at an all time high, AND they get a higher percentage than ever.

As for someone entering the league challenging the CBA - the court that made the final ruling on the Clarett case stated it pretty strongly that its prefectly legal for unions to bargain away the rights of non/future members - "that's what unions do." With that having been reiterated by an appeals court, and determined by the Supreme Court to not be worth considering, a legal challenge to it is not going to go far.

[cthomer5000]

Ultimately i agree, everyone works for the NFL, not their specific team. And it's this sort of thinking that has helped the league achieve the success it has through revenue sharing. Still, I don't really hold it agains incoming rookies to exercise the little leverage they do have before getting locked into a long-term deal.

[MizzouRah]

Jealousy is a bitch.

Maybe some of you guys should have worked out harder, or gone to school longer. It's not Leinert's fault that you're over-analytical losers.
Funny Schmidty, funny.

[Kodos]

Count me in the crowd who says if you don't want to risk being drafted by New Orleans, then go play for another league or do something else with your life. The NFL doesn't owe you a guarantee that you'll end up on a team that you'll like. NFL players get paid a lot of money and part of what gets them that money is going along with the rules that are in place. Manning was a jerk for what he did. It looks like Leinart may be one too.

I eventually forgave John Elway for his jerkishness.

Just letting guys go to whatever team they like as rookies is a horrible idea. Then it would always be the same few teams getting all the marquee players. Do we need another setup like the Yankees have?

[Rockstar]

Whats the other option? Throw all 32 head coaches in a room and the last one standing gets the top pick? If thats the case, I'll take Lovie Smith.

[sterlingice]

Whats the other option? Throw all 32 head coaches in a room and the last one standing gets the top pick? If thats the case, I'll take Lovie Smith.Andy Reid and his patented "sit on you" move ;)

SI

[Logan]

Please stop with the poor battered player theory.

No, they shouldn't shut up. They should voice their opinion. But if they opt to put their names in that draft and sign the union contract, they are locked into that. Don't make it seem like these poor guys don't have a thing going for them and life just sucks really, really bad sometimes.

Fact is, that union is in support of the draft and has never to my knowledge suggested it be held any other way. In fact, quite the opposite, the union has been moving to "restrict" rookies every contract. With the rookie salary cap, the contracts are pretty much slotted into place before the draft +/- a few hundred grand.

So the guy has a choice. He has a voice. There are limits to his powers wiht that voice though. He can scream and whine and moan all he wants. And the Saints can still draft him and hold onto his rights for one full year. He's agreeing to the rules when he puts his name on that agreement.

He's not being ordered at gunpoint to make that deal. Nor is he being told he can't do what he loves. He's more than welcome to play football anywhere he so chooses. He wants to play on a semi pro team in Cleveland? The option is there for him. He wants to go to Canada? Have at it. He wants to take over pops construcion company, that's ok too.

But if he wants to play in the NFL, he plays by the rules of the union contract. Period. I don't and won't tell him he can't speak about where he WANTS to play or make threats about where he WON'T play. He more than has the right to do that. But the Saints have the right to call the bluff, pick him and let him rot for one calendar year. Both parties are playing by the rules allowed to them. A nice, fair, high stakes game of poker where both parties know the rules. Good luck to all.

Perfect.