Player agents troubled by cancellation of NFL's rookie orientation sessions

[BernietheKid]

Player agents troubled by cancellation of NFL's rookie orientation sessions

Published: Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 9:33 PM Updated: Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 9:58 PM

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The agent for the Browns' first-round pick Phil Taylor is miffed that the NFL canceled its annual rookie symposium Tuesday and that the league is withholding other services during the lockout designed specifically for the players' well-being.

The symposium, which is the first official casualty of the lockout, was set to begin June 26th in Canton. It's designed to help ease the players' transition to the NFL by educating them about money, life skills and situations they may face. They also meet current and former players.

"It's not just the rookie symposium -- which is a tremendous benefit to the young players in terms of education about the league, but there are other issues too," said agent Peter Schaffer. "If the NFL says it cares about its players, it can't be convenient concern -- it has to be all the time."

Schaffer said that in addition to the symposium, the NFL should be allowing trainers to be present at the players-only workouts being held around the league, such as the ones being organized by Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. He said the league should also continue to pay for counseling for players in the substance abuse program.

"They should allow the trainers to be at the workouts so nobody gets hurt, so that there's proper hydration, and proper equipment," said Schaffer. "The league has also stopped paying for counseling and drug treatment during the lockout. If you determine someone needs help, then let's continue to get them the counseling they need to make them better people."

Schaffer contends the symposium should've been held despite the lockout, which stipulates that the teams and players have no contact.

"They're not dealing with the team, it's the league," he said. "And it's not about football, it's about life. If there's an issue as to whether the union would use that against the NFL, work out a deal with the NFLPA to allow it because it's about the betterment of people, not players. The symposium is about how to make good decisions and avoid bad situations."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Associated Press Tuesday that the symposium was canceled due to "the uncertainty of the labor issues we are facing and the logistical challenges of conducting [it]. The symposium is a large, complex event involving many professionals and others. In fairness, we could not continue to keep their commitment on hold."

Andy Ross of Octagon, the agent for Browns' second-round pick Greg Little, agreed that the lack of a symposium "is a shame. It's a very beneficial event for all rookies. It's a way to talk to them about things they're going to face as their life changes in the NFL, and it's an opportunity missed."

Ross said he hopes this year's rookies will be invited to next year's symposium. In the meantime, Octagon will continue to educate its players about money management and other personal matters.

"We already provide that service, and it's reinforced through the symposium," he said.
Ross said last week that he would advise Little not to participate in future players-only camps because of the injury risk. Schaffer said he hasn't yet discussed it with Taylor. Both agents said their clients are training every day to be ready when the lockout ends.

No Kolb: The Browns will not pursue a trade for Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb when the NFL opens for business, a league source said.

Player agents troubled by cancellation of NFL's rookie orientation sessions | cleveland.com

[Riffer X]

That symposium does wonders for guys like Dezzie.

Just think what he would have spent on his jewelry last year without it. Actually, he didn't spend it, he still owes most of it.

[Brown Warrior]

Florio's fanning the fires of player and agent discontent with the former NFLPA. That's usually how these things go. I think the ruling striking down Nelson and upholding the lockout will finally be the beginning of the end. The players will have to negotiate.

I predict this ends by the end of June, allowing for a frenzy of free agency before the camps open. Players get out of OTAs and minicamps, nobody's crying.

[Sez.EJ]

WAIT...them mentioned Kolb at the end of the article..let's make this a qb thread!

Seriously.. if that symposium helps even 1 guy.. it's worth the money spent. Shame on the NFL for not keeping it.

[hiwaygal]

I heard a blip the other day that said something about how some of the "little guys" in the league were none to happy with the NFLPA. And I remember how there were some soon to be rookies/potential draftees who were in on the NFLPA lawsuit (before they were even players!! - way to piss off your future bosses).

Is there a reason the NFLPA can't hold it's own symposiums? I mean, most (if not all) of these guys have played the game before and know what goes on, right? They can't get together as their own group to help out the rookies?

The players themselves can't get together to practice/train/condition without someone from the NFL providing something for them? So...they only do it when they are paid to do it, not because they love the game and want to be prepared for their jobs or even to ensure their own safety?

Meh...I'm in a bitchy mood today! lol

[Legendary]

If the players want something badly to play football they need to do something. They don't need the club management and coaching staff to organize them. and veterans players can be used for coaching.

[Brown Warrior]

Key dates: The hearing is June 3rd and mediation resumes June 7th, probably with awareness that the lockout is upheld... which might just keep the players at the table this time, no matter how pissed Drew Brees gets (!).

Irsay says things have to be settled by the 4th of July holiday in order for everything to run as scheduled. Free agency would begin on Tuesday the 5th, plenty of time ahead of training camps.

Because that's what needs to happen... I have a feeling that's what happens.

[Tobalaz]

Does it matter if the NFL holds it or not?
The NFLPA, or what used to be the NFLPA will just tell the kids to stay away anyways, just like they did for the draft.
Thank GOD the kids knew how much money was floating around and told the NFLPA to go frak themselves or we'd all be going nuts right now.