Maurkice Pouncey took to Instagram to discuss the latest CBA proposal, which was recently passed by NFL Player Association representatives and will be voted on by the full union membership — roughly 2,000 players.
He wasn't happy.
Before clicking the video, which I've saved from his official Instagram account below, be warned that there is some extreme language. Grab headphones, earmuffs, whatever you need. You've been warned:
"Man, the s---'s so f-----' crazy, man," Pouncey began. "I vote no. F-- that s---. Our NFLPA, the dudes at the top, the leaders? Man, that s--- [is] all f-----' b-------. F--- that. They ain't lookin' out for the best of the players. If y'all want my vote, the Pouncey twins vote 'no.'"
Pouncey then got even more serious, teasing a lockout and calling for action from veteran players across the league.
"And if any player on any one of our teams, if y'all hurtin' for rent money or anything while we go through this lockout, call us," he said. "Man, we got way more money than what they had back in the days. We ain't gotta worry about that. All the vets on each team, stand the f--- up. Stand up. Show these guys that we care about them. Man, I care about all you young players and I love you guys to death. I ain't gonna let y'all down. Trust and believe."
Any closing comments, Mr. Pouncey?
"They're trying to sign a b------ a-- deal just so these m------------ can sit and their president can go around and smile and say, 'I got something done,'" he said. "You didn't get s--- done."
Just as it seemed the CBA was closing in on final signatures, Pouncey makes it seem like things may just be heating up — and he isn't alone, either:
The @NBA & @MLB are doing it right.
Players come first.ALL @NFL players deserve the same.
WE should not rush the next 10 YEARS for Today’s satisfaction.
I VOTE NO.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 26, 2020
Hard no on that proposed CBA.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 21, 2020
Leadership! I am with you! Please communicate with your team rep. https://t.co/JucZbwqoa2
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 21, 2020
Whereas Richard Sherman was one of the loudest voices against the proposed CBA last week, Aaron Rodgers was one of the biggest objectors last night, per sources. Rodgers wanted even more dramatic changes to the off-season program that included more free time for the players.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2020
The current proposal most notably includes a move to a 17-game regular season, an increase in the minimum salary for rookies by $100,000 and a 48 percent share of NFL revenues for players, which could eventually climb to 48.5 percent.
NBA players, for comparison, receive around 50 percent of league revenue. Ditto for NHL players. MLB players, meanwhile, do not work on a set scale but receive anywhere from 48 to 52 percent. That puts the NFL at the low end of the scale, despite the fact the NFL brought in an estimated $13 billion last year — $3.5 billion more than the second-place MLB.
There are various factors at play here — roster size, talent/salary disparity, etc. — but it's easy to see on paper while players would oppose this proposal at a glance.
Buckle up.
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