Are athletes guys who are overpaid for simply just playing a game? Absolutely, but it’s all relative. However, sometimes they do things that show you that they care and are interested in what’s going on. Yesterday, many players were in attendance to take in the negotiation session between the NBA and the players union as the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2011.
Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups highlighted the group of 14 NBA players who decided to attend this meeting. The end result is that they have decided to hold another meeting before training camp so that players can take part again, but I am personally impressed with the turnout. And more importantly, the caliber of players that decided to take the time. It was the first bargaining session since February’s All-Star weekend, when the players rejected the owners’ proposal. Recently, the union submitted it’s own proposal, but commissioner David Stern has indicated that it is similar to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the owners are seeking significant changes to the system in order to get this done.
Regarding the game’s brightest stars attending this meeting, Carmelo Anthony offered refreshing perspective. “It’s important for me that all of us, as being the faces of the NBA, to be involved in the negotiations and what’s going on. Our future is in jeopardy if we can’t come into a mutual agreement.” You can say that they’re only concerned with their future contracts, but I’d just say that these guys get it.
The following statement was issued by the National Basketball Association and National Basketball Players Association on Thursday:
“The NBA and NBPA held a four-hour bargaining meeting today that included constructive dialogue and a productive exchange of information. While we still have much work to do, it was encouraging how many players and owners participated in the process and all pledged to continue to work together.”
There is obviously a long way to go to make sure this deal gets done, but what this shows me is that players get it and they actually care. That’s great for the league.
If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe too for free on iTunes.
