Along with G Brian Waters, Kansas City Chiefs LB Mike Vrabel is a member of the NFLPA's executive committee which is something we don't hear a lot about. Unless....there's labor trouble, which there is in the NFL right now. Vrabel conducted a conference call with reporters this week and talked about some labor issues, specifically an 18-game schedule.
Most players have been vocal in their disapproval of talks of an 18-game schedule.
"Right now there’s just not enough return on our investment to play another two games," Vrabel said on the conference call, per the Union's lockout website. "If it made sense, we could go back to our players and say, guys this is what can get for it and this is what we can give you. But I don’t think anybody, starting with De [Smith] in good conscience can go back into those locker rooms and say, guys this is all I can get for you for 18 games. Go out there, strap it up and I hope you make it through."
Without getting into the particulars of both sides, I can say from a selfish standpoint that I do not want an 18-game schedule. The NFL, right now, is perfect, in my mind. Why fix it if it's not broke?
Vrabel's media rounds didn't stop there as he went on ESPN Radio in Dallas and, on the broader view of labor talks with the NFL, says he doesn't want fans to pick a side.
"We’re not going to ask the fans to pick a side, we want them to side with football. The game needs to be what the fans should be siding with. They deserve football and we’re going to do everything in our power to give them football."
Of course, by picking football, you're picking the NFLPA's side, as Vrabel says players want the status quo. There are so many factors involved here for me to take a side so, I'll go with Vrabel, and say I simply want football in 2011.