A coup attempt is simmering to oust one of the most powerful figures in sports.
Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, is under siege by a portion of his constituency. Upshaw will mark his 25th anniversary as the union’s boss in June, but Baltimore Ravens kicker and player representative Matt Stover is among those who don’t want to see him complete his 26th year.
In an e-mail sent to other player reps, Stover revealed a plan to have Upshaw replaced by March 2009, one year before the union leader’s contract expires.
Upshaw’s $6.7 million salary, $5.7 million more than baseball union boss Donald Fehr, may be one reason for some player discontent.
More concerning, however, is Upshaw has become a polarizing leader — he also has his staunch supporters within the union — at a time when the owners are threatening to shut down the 2011 season if the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is not altered.
Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who last month became the youngest player to be named to the NFLPA executive board, said he was aware of Stover’s e-mail.
“As a member of the executive committee I fully support the current executive director,” Foxworth said. “I also think about the responsibility of making sure the future leadership of the union is safe.”
If only Upshaw shared some of Foxworth’s diplomacy. Upshaw, whose nephew Chad Upshaw is a reserve tight end on the Broncos’ roster, has drawn headlines for his insensitive remarks regarding Troy Vincent, his possible replacement. And former NFL players have blamed him for not rectifying what they say is an inadequate medical and pension plan.
The Sporting News ranked Upshaw as the 13th most powerful sports figure in January 2006, and that was two months before he was lauded for negotiating what the owners label a player-favorable CBA. But Stover is widely considered thoughtful and amenable in the player community, so his plan to oust Upshaw is not expected to be taken lightly.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
