Mark Kriegel, author of two New York Times best sellers, "Namath: a Biography" and "Pistol: the Life of Pete Maravich, as well as a regular columnist for foxsports.com feels strongly about this week's verdict against the NFL Players Association
As you may recall, Herb Adderley and others filed a class action against the union alleging it violated a contract with the players under which it would actively seek to utilize the players' names and faces in NFL merchandising deals, most particularly the John Madden/EA Sports line of video games. A jury awarded the players more than $28 million in damages for the breach of contract. One of the linchpins in the evidence trail that led to the verdict was a document which revealed the union actively sought to cut out the old guys from showing up in the Madden games. It's always about the money, right?
Kriegel wants John Madden to speak out on the subject. Prior to posting his column online, Kriegel attempted to track down Madden through NBC, EA Sports and his talent agency, IMG. No dice.
Kriegel's point is this: Madden doesn't have to accept any responsibility for the union's actions but he should have something to say that sounds like he is distressed and angry, or at least disappointed with how the guys were treated. Madden was one of them who played back in the day. They know him as one of the brotherhood and it was his signature product that was involved. The damages don't come out of his pocket or that of his video game partner EA so he can't be concerned about screwing up his relationship with them.
When Nike was caught with its pants down in Asia after the world found out about the child labor used to manufacture its shoes, Michael Jordan came under fire despite his clear lack of knowledge about the terrible conditions. Kriegel believes that Madden should make his feelings known about this issue and the others that linger between the retired players, the NFL and the union. This is where his big voice and presence would be put to their best use.
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