Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick announced that he will vote for “yes” to the proposed collective agreement that was sent to players on Thursday morning. This makes him the most important player in publicly announcing his vote.
In a video sent to Trey Wingo, of ESPN, Fitzpatrick detailed because he has confidence in his vote. He cited the increase in the minimum wage, changes to the marijuana policy, more space in the workforce, better working conditions, better pay for practice squads, fewer hits in the camp and increased benefits for players and former players.
Fitzpatrick said there were meetings that each team had with the NFL Players Association, during which the parameters for the new CBA were discussed, and what the players wanted the NFLPA to fight during negotiations with the NFL .
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“There were a ton of different things we said we wanted to be addressed,” said Fitzpatrick, a 15-year veteran. “… The vast majority of that was addressed in this CBA. I think the most important thing about this CBA was the distribution of profits. For us, as players, the distribution of profits, having a higher percentage of the foot, is important, but also the general growth of the foot is important. Those two things will happen if we sign this contract. ”
The reactions on the new contract have been polarized. There has been a strong dissent on the social networks of many of the league’s stars, including quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, runners Todd Gurley and Kenyan Drake, cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Chris Harris Jr., defensive linemen Aaron Donald and Cameron Jordan, receivers Stefon Diggs, Tyler Lockett, Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills, and offensive linemen Mike Pouncey and Maurkice Pouncey.
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Health and well-being (not enough in this regard), along with the proposed 178-game calendar and the desire to gain more benefits in the negotiations, are some of the reasons why many players say “no.”
Fitzpatrick said he spent the past two weeks gathering information from both sides of the debate, the NFLPA, former general managers and agents to make an informed decision. He believes that by the end of the contract there will be solidarity, strength and stability from both sides of the NFL for the negotiation of television contracts that will come later.
“The possible gains we could have if we stop do not justify the risks we would take if we take down this proposal,” he explained.
Players have until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, to cast their votes via DocuSign. The new CBA will happen if you receive a simple majority (50% plus one). It would take effect for this 2020, with the changes related to the 17 games until 2021 by very early.
