Eller Says Retired Players Won't Block NFL Deal

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BARRY WILNER

Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller thinks a deal to end the NFL lockout will be reached this week - and says retired players won't stand in the way of an agreement.

Eller and lawyers for retired NFL players joined labor talks for about seven hours Tuesday in New York as signs mounted the dispute might almost be over. After leaving the negotiations, Eller headed to a meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"They want to get these games going, and they want to have a season. That's their focus," Eller said. "Our issues are very, very critical - very important - but they don't really have much to do with whether the game goes on or not."

He said "there's still a lot more to be done" when it comes to benefits for former players, but that could be resolved after the main dispute is settled.


Read more: http://sports.excite.com/news/07192011/v9508.html

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. Former NFL players get pensions?

At their salary? I hate to think of what those numbers must look like.

[Omaha Steve]

2. They loose ALL medical coverage after 3 years in retirement

Considering the rough game, what does that cost them after the 3 years are up?

[Ruby the Liberal]

3. Only 3 years medical?

One would think that they could get a better length than that.

I once had to join the Chamber of Commerce as a self-employed person for medical and E&O insurance. Saved me thousands every month. SAG membership is another option that they could likely qualify for as those benefits are really good as well.

[Omaha Steve]

4. I hope the new contract extends that by many more years

When the new contract ends the lockout, that is the first thing I want to know. What did they do for the retirees.