NEW YORK — The NFL Players Association is handing out voting cards to the players that could lead to decertification of the union.
A person familiar with the union’s plans told The Associated Press on Saturday that players from all 32 teams will be asked to consider decertification, which could prevent the owners from locking out the players after the collective bargaining agreement expires in March.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the union has not announced its plans.
Should the union decertify, it could have the right to sue the league under antitrust laws if the players are locked out. The NFLPA is sending out voting cards now because, logistically, getting enough signatures after the season would be difficult, if not impossible.
The story was first reported by the Sports Business Journal, which cited a source as saying the New Orleans Saints already voted to decertify.
“This is purely a procedural matter and is a nonstory until March,” George Atallah, the NFLPA’s assistant executive director, told The Associated Press.
A letter sent to NFLPA membership has outlined to the players what voting for decertification would mean. DeMaurice Smith, the union’s executive director, frequently has said he expects the owners to lock out the players.
49ers’ Davis signs $37 million deal
NEW YORK — Vernon Davis is the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
Davis signed a five-year contract extension with the 49ers. A person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press that Davis will get $37 million overall, with $34 million guaranteed.
Footnotes.
Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder has been ruled out of today’s season opener at Buffalo because of a lingering groin injury.
Crowder hasn’t practiced since Aug. 17 and didn’t accompany the Dolphins on their flight Saturday.
Tim Dobbins, acquired from San Diego in an offseason trade, will start in place of Crowder.
• Safety Brodney Pool is questionable for the Jets’ season opener against the Ravens on Monday night because of a sprained ankle. Also, linebacker Calvin Pace won’t play because of a broken foot.
• A woman filed a temporary restraining order against former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, an NFL analyst for CBS. She filed the petition Thursday in Atlanta’s Fulton County Superior Court. The case is classified under the “family violence” category. No court hearing has been scheduled.
• The Jaguars placed wide receiver Jarett Dillard on injured reserve and promoted wide receiver John Matthews from the practice squad.
• Former Packers and Lions tight end Ron Kramer died Saturday in Michigan at age 75. The Associated Press
