Morey: NFL’s Proposed Changes For Player Safety Are Misguided

March 18, 2011 11:08 AM

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (KDKA/AP) – Sean Morey, a former Steeler and current member of the NFLPA’s executive committee, thinks the NFL’s proposed changes to improve player safety are misguided.

Morey said, “generally what they’ve done is try to blame players for how violent the game has become. They had ample opportunity to look at the science and make practical changes and give coaches an opportunity to coach players, and give the players realistic expectations of how they should change the way they hit. And they didn’t.”

He said rules changes being proposed by the league’s competition committee – including adjustments to kickoffs – don’t address the real problems of keeping players healthy.

Morey suggested that the league should hold players accountable when injuries happen, instead of changing the game.

On Wednesday, the NFL proposed a list of changes to the game to help prevent player injuries. They also said repeat offenders of illegal hits will be subject to suspension.

At next week’s owners meetings in New Orleans, the competition committee will suggest moving kickoffs up five yards to the 35, as well as bringing kickoff touchbacks to the 25. The committee also is proposing the elimination of blocking wedges on kickoff returns.

“The injury rate on kickoffs remains a real concern for us, and the players and the coaches’ subcommittee,” said Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee.

Morey also said he didn’t like that players had to try to get changes to off-season and in-season practice schedules through mediated labor talks that broke off last week.

“At the end of the day, why should we be negotiating for our own health and safety? It’s unfortunate. We’ve had to provide every solution to their problem,” said Morey, who retired last year.

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Morey: NFL’s Proposed Changes For Player Safety Are Misguided

Ray Vos

The NFL Competition Committee announced late today that games for the 2011 season (assuming a CBA) will be played on Madden11 at the NFL Office in New York. Results will be made available to the public on a pay-per-view basis with the fee schedue to be determined. Goddell stated that this was the only way he could guarantee that no …NFL player would get a boo-boo!
Get rid of this Nimrod before he ruins the game!
Craig

This ‘nimrod’ is a graduate of Brown University of the Ivy League. He was the all time leader in recpetions of that league when he graduated. He played special teams for the toughest teams in the NFL. You look like a jagoff.
al toon

Nimrod , LOL you couldnt have a intelligent debate with a vending machine , also you must be friends with Hines ward , he is the Nimrod , Mr Macho wanting to play with a concussion , the commish is trying to save these morons from themselves , find the HBO special on former players who the only difference between them and a cantaloupe is they have eyes that blink , their brains are MUSH YOU FOOL .