Nfl Union Pertaining To Retired Players

[Tony W]

This last weekend I saw a special on HBO's Real Sports I believe talking about the pension for retired plyers being for the most part "abysmal" (spl). It struck me funny that the average pension paid to retirees is something like $26k a year for 10 years sevrice. Whereas a MLB player playing the same years averages around $175k. What are you guys thoughts or takes on that.

 

[abomb]

Football players get screwed relative to the other sports.

 

[Pariah]

Football players get screwed relative to the other sports.

Yeah, but relative to the working-class american?

If they can squeeze a pension out of the nfl on top of the millions of dollars they earn every year, more power to them.

But, you won't catch me shedding any tears for them if their pension is less in relation to a baseball player's. Most americans A) don't make in a lifetime as much as they do in a few years B)don't have a pension.

 

[Mulli]

I think I read that NFL players pensions only pay for 4 years of medical after they retire. NFL owners are sickos.

 

[Ryanwb]

I think the onus should be placed on the NFLPA. The MLB player's association rivals any fortune 500 company with the benefits they set up for their players and it's been in place for a long time

 

[Ryanwb]

onus.

It is a word

 

[Mulli]

It is a word

I know. Nevermind.

 

[CardLogic]

One of the radio jocks was talking about this yesterday also. Facts are that the guys who played in the 50's, 60's and 70's or earlier are getting stiffed.

I can't remember the player that he was talking about but, the dude has had 7 knee surgeries in the last year and can't get medical coverage. The NFL won't pay it.

Keep in mind that the average player in the 50's, 60's 70's weren't paid anywhere close to the salaries they make today. Think more in terms of Arena league salaries. Many football players in those years had a second job in the off-season to make ends meet.

The minimum which the NFL/NFLPA should do is provide full medical coverage for all former players. They don't!

 

[Captain Matt]

It isn't the owners screwing the old timers, it's our modern-day "warriors" (LOL!) doing it to them. The old timers do not have voting powers in the NFLPA, so they are at the mercy of the current union to improve their benefits. A lot of the young dudes got long-term security built into their contracts (to the tune of millions of dollars), or have had the opportunity to meet folks through the union and the player seminars that push for long-term health care planning (insurance, etc.), business/financial management, and preparing for life after football. Not everyone who leaves the league is set for life, but they're much better off than the old timers. I agree that it's a crime that the guys who built this wonderful league are getting stomped on, but it isn't likely to change. The ony ones who can change it are frm the "me generation" and there is no way in hell a guy like T.O. or Ocho-Cinco or Simeon Rice is gonna vote for an o-lineman from the 60s to get health coverage from an increase in his union dues. No way.... So next time someone wants $5 for an autograph, if he's over 60, it's probably going towards his next back surgery. I suggest you just pay it. LOL.....

 

[Pariah]

Keep in mind that the average player in the 50's, 60's 70's weren't paid anywhere close to the salaries they make today.

If I worked for Microsoft while they were still a fledgling company, should I expect better benefits than what I agreed to when I was employeed by them?

I guess I just don't understand where the entitlement is coming from. I certainly empathize with them; it's got to be tough to see today's players making millions when you just made enought to get by AND didn't have the medical benefits of a modern training room to heal what ailed ya. But why are those guys more entitled to modern salaries/pension more so than any other working stiff?

 

[Mulli]

If I worked for Microsoft while they were still a fledgling company, should I expect better benefits than what I agreed to when I was employeed by them?

I guess I just don't understand where the entitlement is coming from. I certainly empathize with them; it's got to be tough to see today's players making millions when you just made enought to get by AND didn't have the medical benefits of a modern training room to heal what ailed ya. But why are those guys more entitled to modern salaries/pension more so than any other working stiff?

::biggreenmeanie::

 

[az jam]

Also saw the above mentioned tv show HBO Real Sports; the real tragedy was the injuries that have taken the toll on these players and the fact that the NFL has turned away from helping them. Conrad Dobler was featured and he has had so many knee operations that he can hardly walk and has gotten minimum help for the NFL and union.

 

[Shane]

If this is true can someone please explain to me that the only money that couldnt be touched of OJ's when he lost his punitive suit for the murder of his wife was his retirement.

They said that his NFL retirment was something like 25,000 a month? Unless Im on drugs and was hearing things. But I very much remember the news that stated this made some sarcastic comment like hell sure be hurting on that pension.

 

[Goodyear Card]

NFL players only play 10 games a year, baseball plays 162 (or something like that) and basketball 84. they have more revenue to spend so the players make more money. The dark side of football and to a lesser extend other professional sports is many players do not become millionaires and are left with injuries they require numerous surgeries and a life of crippling pain. The NFL and the Players Association owe ex players medical care and monthly payments to ex-players who can't work.

 

[Shane]

If this is true can someone please explain to me that the only money that couldnt be touched of OJ's when he lost his punitive suit for the murder of his wife was his retirement.

They said that his NFL retirment was something like 25,000 a month? Unless Im on drugs and was hearing things. But I very much remember the news that stated this made some sarcastic comment like hell sure be hurting on that pension.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I think I read that NFL players pensions only pay for 4 years of medical after they retire. NFL owners are sickos.

pensions and retiree medical are two separate things (although defined benefit plans can add a 401(h) element to assist the retiree in paying for retiree medical).

in terms of straight of pension . . . i agree with the prior sentiments . . . these guys get paid so much, and yes, their careers are relatively short, but that puts a premium on them being smart with their money. they likely shouldn't be on mtv's cribs, but rather living nicely instead of as stars, putting the majority of their money to work for their futures. the fact that they get a pension on top of those salaries is, in my opinion, insane. and i'm an ERISA attorney! your everyday joe now now has to more or less fend for themselves with a 401(k) plan, most do not have the luxury of an employer sponsored pension plan any longer.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

One of the radio jocks was talking about this yesterday also. Facts are that the guys who played in the 50's, 60's and 70's or earlier are getting stiffed.

I can't remember the player that he was talking about but, the dude has had 7 knee surgeries in the last year and can't get medical coverage. The NFL won't pay it.

Keep in mind that the average player in the 50's, 60's 70's weren't paid anywhere close to the salaries they make today. Think more in terms of Arena league salaries. Many football players in those years had a second job in the off-season to make ends meet.

The minimum which the NFL/NFLPA should do is provide full medical coverage for all former players. They don't!

now this sentiment i agree with. the older guys do get screwed and the younger guys reap the benefits as a result.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

If this is true can someone please explain to me that the only money that couldnt be touched of OJ's when he lost his punitive suit for the murder of his wife was his retirement.

They said that his NFL retirment was something like 25,000 a month? Unless Im on drugs and was hearing things. But I very much remember the news that stated this made some sarcastic comment like hell sure be hurting on that pension.

retirement benefits from tax qualified plans are basically untouchable. creditors cannot get at them and thus they cannot be attached by a court order. the only way they can be accessed by an individual other than the participant is if a QDRO or QMSCO is filed for a divorce or child support order or by a designated beneficiary upon the death of a participant.

 

[nurnay]

pensions and retiree medical are two separate things (although defined benefit plans can add a 401(h) element to assist the retiree in paying for retiree medical).

in terms of straight pension . . . I agree with the prior sentiments . . . these guys get paid so much, and yes, their careers are relatively short, but that puts a premium on them being smart with their money. they likely shouldn't be on mtv's cribs, but rather living nicely instead of as stars, putting the majority of their money to work for their futures. the fact that they get a pension on top of those salaries is, in my opinion, insane. and i'm an ERISA attorney! your everyday joe now now has to more or less fend for themselves with a 401(k) plan, most do not have the luxury of an employer sponsored pension plan any longer.

You're right, pension and medical are very different for ex-NFL players. The old-timers mentioned here get ZERO medical coverage, and much of their health problems stem from their playing days. Players then weren't taken care of as well medically, often played with injuries today's players wouldn't (especially concussions), and weren't protected by the rules like they are now. They *should* get medical care now.

I'm not sure what O.J. Simpson gets in his pension, but I can't believe for one second that most of the old 50's-70's era players are getting anywhere near that $25k/month someone else mentioned.

As for the idea that these guys shouldn't be getting pensions, I disagree. Keep in mind, the majority of NFL players don't make the money you describe (MTV Cribs, etc.). Most only play for a few years, for a minimal (albeit NFL) salary. In that time, they can destroy their body. Major injuries factor into the premature end of many football careers.

I do agree that the guys making the big bucks shouldn't be getting the pensions, though. They don't need it. If they simply invest a small portion of their salary, they'd be set for life. Why not give better pensions to those that need it most?

 

[Mulli]

pensions and retiree medical are two separate things (although defined benefit plans can add a 401(h) element to assist the retiree in paying for retiree medical).

in terms of straight of pension . . . i agree with the prior sentiments . . . these guys get paid so much, and yes, their careers are relatively short, but that puts a premium on them being smart with their money. they likely shouldn't be on mtv's cribs, but rather living nicely instead of as stars, putting the majority of their money to work for their futures. the fact that they get a pension on top of those salaries is, in my opinion, insane. and i'm an ERISA attorney! your everyday joe now now has to more or less fend for themselves with a 401(k) plan, most do not have the luxury of an employer sponsored pension plan any longer.

Thanks.

 

[NuttinButTDs]

If I worked for Microsoft while they were still a fledgling company, should I expect better benefits than what I agreed to when I was employeed by them?

I guess I just don't understand where the entitlement is coming from. I certainly empathize with them; it's got to be tough to see today's players making millions when you just made enought to get by AND didn't have the medical benefits of a modern training room to heal what ailed ya. But why are those guys more entitled to modern salaries/pension more so than any other working stiff?

If you worked for MSFT as fledgling company - you would be a millionaire due to stock options.

There is difference is between retirement income and retirement benefits. The retirement income is based on the income earned. The benefits are the same for all retirees. Usually the change in benefits, specially the change for better, applies to all, as it is good business sense. Benefits tend to be mostly health coverage and hence it does not matter to large coorporations due to group coverage. As a corporation grows in size/market share/wealth, it is distributed (albeit slowly and minimaly) to the retirees. NFLPA should provide benefits to the folks who made this league.

On the flip side, even corporations have cut off retirements with the start of 401K. With corporations not participating in a retirement program, the dire straits of SS fund, no wonder we created a "me" generation. Can't have capitalism and socialism alive and kicking at the same time.

 

[Pariah]

If you worked for MSFT as fledgling company - you would be a millionaire due to stock options.

How many places have you worked as a rank in file employee where you've gotten stock options?

 

[ajcardfan]

They were talking about this on the radio today and said the average life expectancy of an NFL player is 54! Wow!

They also gave many examples of the toll the game takes on players, like Joe Montana cannot turn his head to the side, Dwight Clark can't lift his arms above his shoulders, etc. Mercury Morris was on, and he told about how he had a broken neck and actually PLAYED with that injury because it was misdiagnosed. It was really amazing stuff. I knew the game takes a toll, but I didn't realize the extent it has with so many.

 

[NuttinButTDs]

How many places have you worked as a rank in file employee where you've gotten stock options?

The example was MSFT.. They gave stock options to all employees. If stock options are a benefit - then every exempt employee gets the chance to buy stocks. This is different than options you get when you are hired as part of hiring bonus


As for your question, every firm I have worked for that issued stock options, all exempt full time employees could buy them.

 

[Pariah]

The example was MSFT.. They gave stock options to all employees. If stock options are a benefit - then every exempt employee gets the chance to buy stocks. This is different than options you get when you are hired as part of hiring bonus

I didn't know that. They did that before they went public?

Anyway, my point remains the same--I don't think people should expect to cash in on an ex-employer's success after you've stopped working for them.