Guest: Vernon Davis, 14-year NFL Veteran, Actor, Venture Capitalist

Vernon Davis George Wrighster podcast

On this episode of the GW podcast, we have guest Vernon Davis. He is a 14 year NFL veteran who is a successful venture capitalist and diving in headfirst into his new profession of acting. He recently retired from the NFL in a commercial with Rob Gronkowski.

Vernon Davis gives great insight into overcoming adversity. He details how he overcame absent parents to achieve his dreams in sports and business. Vernon also tells us why his touchdown against the Eagles in week 1 of 2019 was so special. He also tells us that he wouldn’t trade his Super Bowl ring for the Hall of Fame. I also asked him about his brother Vontae’s abrupt retirement at halftime. We also discuss family, friendship, forgiveness, and dealing with public embarrassment.

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The George Wrighster podcast features great interviews where you get to know great people discussing faith, family, fatherhood, food, and sports. We get to know and learn from the personalities that entertain us outside of what they are famous for. Shoot us an email with comments or guest ideas: GWpodcast@unafraidshow.com. Please be sure to share the podcast with a friend, subscribe, and leave a 5* rating.

Who is George Wrighster?

George Wrighster is a former Pac-12 and veteran NFL tight end. As a television/radio host, opinionist, writer, speaker, and analyst, he is UNAFRAID to speak the truth. Contrary to industry norms he uses, facts, stats, and common sense to win an argument. He has also found success in the business world as an entrepreneur and investor. George is a lifelong learner who loves having conversations that educate and uplift. He has also covered college football, basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB since 2014.

NFL Players Should Use the CBA to Force the NFL to Become Player Centric

NFL players are at a pivotal moment. They are faced with the decision of whether to approve the proposed collective bargaining agreement (CBA). For months, NFL ownership and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have worked to create an equitable CBA. On February 26, 2020, the NFLPA Board of Player Representatives voted to send the proposed CBA to the players for a full membership vote. Whether this proposed agreement is truly equitable is a matter of opinion. Many are of the opinion that it is not. Critics argue that the owners are essentially getting everything they want while the players are not getting enough in return. Given everything NFL ownership is getting compared to what the players are getting, the deal is not the most equitable. Accordingly, the players should take a stand and demand more.

Summary of the Owners and Players Benefits in the Proposed CBA

The 17th Game

First, NFL ownership would get a major victory by simply getting the players to agree to a deal at this juncture. The current CBA does not expire until March 3, 2021. From the players’ standpoint, there is not much reason to rush. The players are not yet facing a lockout. The 2020-2021 NFL season can be played under the current CBA. Therefore, any threat of a lockout would be a whole season away. Second, if the players agree to this deal the owners will have the thing they wanted most – a 17th regular-season game. The owners have wanted this for a long time as they know it will lead to an increase in revenue.

Listen to the Podcast with Former NFLPA President

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In fact, NFL ownership is set to enter negotiations with broadcasters and streaming services after the start of the NFL league year on March 18, 2020. NFL ownership would love to enter those negotiations with a new CBA in hand without the threat of a future lockout. It is precisely this fact that gives the players a bit of leverage in these negotiations. The players have something the NFL refuses to move forward without – the 17th game. The players should use that to their advantage. They should also use the fact that NFL ownership needs to enter broadcast negotiations without the threat of a future lockout looming. These two things alone could be enough for the players to increase the revenue split to 50/50.

The Revenue Split

Under the proposed CBA the revenue split will only increase to 48%. The revenue split has the potential to increase to 48.5% if there is a 60% increase in TV revenue. Therefore, the ability to receive a 48.5% revenue split is not guaranteed. Furthermore, the players will have no opportunity to receive a 50/50 revenue split for at least 10 years. As written, the proposed CBA will be in effect for 10 years with no opt-out provision. A ten-year deal with no opt-out provision should be a major concern to the players.

Even with Salary Increases, the NFL Players are Not Getting Enough in Return

It is true that many players will receive a significant increase in their salaries as early as 2020. Many players’ salaries could increase by roughly $100,000 next season if the CBA is agreed to. However, those increases are not enough to make up for the inequities of the deal. Many players have recognized this and have taken a stand against the proposed CBA. Several high profile players announced their intent to vote against the proposed CBA urging other players to vote no. One of those players is Green Bay Packers’ star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Another one is Seattle Seahawks superstar Russel Wilson.

Wilson stated that “The NBA and MLB are doing it right. Players come first.” This was a very interesting take on the issue and is even more reason for the players to take a stand. The NBA and MLB are considered by many to be more progressive leagues than the NFL. The NBA and MLB are viewed that way because they are more player-centric. If NFL players want the NFL to become more player-centric, they have to be willing to stand up for themselves. NFL players should not agree to a deal where the franchise tag remains intact while the penalty for training camp holdouts becomes more severe. NFL Players should take their time and make the most out of their negotiation power.

Guest: Domonique Foxworth, Former NFLPA President, TV/Radio Analyst, Harvard MBA

Domonique Foxworth: Former NFLPA President, TV/Radio Analyst, Harvard MBA

On this episode of the GW podcast, we have guest Domonique Foxworth. He is a 7-yr veteran NFL player who was the President of the NFLPA. Domonique helped renegotiate the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. He is now a writer with The Undefeated and host of The Morning Roast on ESPN Radio. Domonique is also a regular guest on other ESPN Radio talk shows such as First Take, The Bill Barnwell Show podcast, Golic & Wingo, and The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. He also has an MBA from Harvard.

Domonique Foxworth opens up and is candid about how negotiations with the NFL for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) work, and if the players should take the deal. his faith (or lack thereof), family life, friendships

Anchor // iTunes // Spotify // Breaker // PocketCasts // Google Play // Stitcher // RadioPublic // Castbox // Overcast

The George Wrighster podcast features great interviews where you get to know great people discussing faith, family, fatherhood, food, and sports. We get to know and learn from the personalities that entertain us outside of what they are famous for. Shoot us an email with comments or guest ideas: GWpodcast@unafraidshow.com. Please be sure to share the podcast with a friend, subscribe, and leave a 5* rating.

Who is George Wrighster?

George Wrighster is a former Pac-12 and veteran NFL tight end. As a television/radio host, opinionist, writer, speaker, and analyst, he is UNAFRAID to speak the truth. Contrary to industry norms he uses, facts, stats, and common sense to win an argument. He has also found success in the business world as an entrepreneur and investor. George is a lifelong learner who loves having conversations that educate and uplift. He has also covered college football, basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB since 2014.

Time for the NFLPA to Address the NFL Zero-Tolerance Drug Policy

Donald Trump vs Bubba Wallace, NFL Problems

The NFL and NFLPA are negotiating the future of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Initial reports described the parties’ meetings as “productive,” leading some to believe than an agreement could be reached sooner than expected. But the NFLPA’s release of a “Work Stoppage Guide” suggests a different message:

It’s clear a number of issues remain. However, how the NFL wields its discretionary power is one topic that cannot be ignored.

The NFL’s “Zero Tolerance” Policy

The NFL suspended New York Giants’ wide receiver Golden Tate for the first four games of the 2019 NFL Season for taking a banned substance. Tate’s appeal was denied due to the NFL’s zero-tolerance policy. The NFL refuses to take into account how a substance is ingested, or other mitigating factors that could play a role in a player receiving a positive test. The NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances states:

If there are no deviations in the collection process or testing, a player has no chance of success on appeal. As a result, despite the fact the substance’s presence was the result of treatment relating to fertility planning, Tate’s appeal was doomed from the outset. In the case of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Robert Quinn, the NFL admitted that it did believe he intentionally took a banned substance; nonetheless, the league suspended him for two games.

Accidental ingestion is a futile defense, but the one most cited in appeal. Tennessee Titans’ left tackle Taylor Lewan is currently appealing a four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance and took a polygraph test to show he didn’t knowingly take the substance. But, like Tate, Lewan’s appeal will prove nothing other than the fact the NFL’s standard for punishment must be addressed.

The NFLPA Must Demand Change

The NFL Policy on Performance Enhancing Substances is based upon a mutual agreement reached between the NFL and NFLPA. The only way to effect change is by mandating that it be addressed during discussions surrounding the CBA. The NFL’s decision to reinstate Josh Gordon shows that the NFL can be forgiving in punishment. Furthermore, the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy requires a factual investigation addressing the totality of circumstances before a decision is made.

Players could seek legal action to recoup salary lost due to suspensions resulting from factors outside their control. UFC’s Yoel Romero received an award of $27 million and vindicated himself of wrongdoing stemming from a failed drug test that ended up being the result of a tainted supplement. But in an NFL player’s case, a lawsuit would not solve the underlying issue.

With the NFL moving towards sports betting, the league must protect the integrity of its game. However, that shouldn’t come at the detriment of the players. Additionally, with other sports leagues adopting CBD as a tool for pain relief, the league is likely to lessen its stance on the drug in the near future. But the NFLPA can’t stop there in its efforts to seek reform and a fair decision-making process from the league.

Follow Alan Wilmot on Twitter and Instagram @alanwilmotlaw

Negotiating the CBA: The Biggest Issues Facing the NFL and NFLPA

CBA: NFL NFLPA Roger Goodell DeMaurice Smith

The above is a far cry from 2017 when NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith declared the likelihood of a strike or lockout of the 2021 NFL Season “almost a virtual certainty.” What’s changed? At the time, one major issue was the league’s position on national anthem protests, which was eventually settled after the NFLPA filed a grievance in 2018. The NFL’s profitability is also motivation for resolution, with yearly revenue approaching nearly $14 Billion per year.

No major issues have surfaced during the groups’ two formal sessions, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell describing the discussions as “direct and open.” But it’s a long way to 2021. Below are some of the biggest issues surrounding extending the current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement:

Stadium Credits

It’s laughable a group of billionaires believe they are entitled to benefits to finance stadiums. Stadium credits are player-funded allowance, taken from NFL revenue before it is split with the players to alleviate costs associated with construction. Owners used their full amount of credits provided with the 2011 CBA. With the league looking to build new stadiums in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and renovate existing ones in other cities, this topic has developed into a strong negotiation point.

Players receive roughly 47 percent of revenue earned by the league, down from 50 percent due to the last round of negotiations. With stadium credits decreasing the total amount of sharable revenue, the NFLPA must fight to (1) decrease the amount of allocatable stadium credits or (2) increase their revenue share. Otherwise, it will be the players, and not the billionaire owners, left footing the bill.

Marijuana

Credit: The Dan Patrick Show

Last week, the NFL and NFLPA announced the creation of a “Joint Pain Management Committee” to research pain management and alternative therapies. In other words, the NFL is slowly opening the door to players using marijuana as a means to combat injury. On the heels of XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck stating the XFL would “prefer not to test for marijuana,” coupled with the legalization of marijuana in California, Nevada, Colorado, and other states, it only makes sense for the league to modify its stance.

Two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long recently admitted to using marijuana throughout his playing career. The NFL tests for the drug once per year, usually within the first two weeks of training camp. Once passed, players are free to smoke at will. At this point, the NFL’s policy is merely for show, and the next iteration of the CBA should remove punishments for use.

Guaranteed Contracts

Kirk Cousins is the first quarterback in NFL history to sign a fully guaranteed multi-year deal. Notwithstanding, players still struggle to obtain their worth. This is the reason why players such as Russell Okung and Todd Gurley believe a strike is necessary.

Owners of one of the world’s most violent sports should not be able to escape paying fully guaranteed contracts. Why this issue isn’t presently being discussed brings into question the seriousness of the current state of negotiations. NFL careers can end at a moment’s notice. If a structure for greater guarantees is not obtained now, the NFL will continue to kick this bucket down the road.

Follow Alan Wilmot on Twitter and Instagram @alanwilmotlaw