WASHINGTON—In a brief statement to the press, NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith addressed the possible recertification of the former players union Thursday afternoon.
“The decision by the players to decertify as a union was a significant one,” Smith said. “I know that … the issue of recertification for every player is going to be an important issue. The individual decisions are something that our players take extremely seriously.”
Smith noted that the two sides “continue to talk,” adding that “there are some issues that are outstanding that are left to resolve.”
With high amounts of media speculation regarding a possible settlement and new agreement—and questions about the duration and details of players reforming into a union—Smith addressed the topic in a statement lasting under three minutes. He did not take questions from reporters.
“I know there are a lot of things swirling out there, and I certainly remember comments from some of the owners that we might not be like a real union,” he told media members outside the NFLPA headquarters. “Well, guess what? The decision to decertify was important. And the decision for our players as men to come back as union is going to be an equally serious one that they have to make.”
Smith noted that the decision lies in each player’s hands if he wishes to elect to be part of a reformed union.
“Every individual person has to make an individual decision about whether they want to be part of a union,” he said. “And recommendations made by the Executive Committee as the advisers to the class, or the Board of Directors as advisers to the class, are just that (recommendations.)”
