Anonymous Franchise Player Goes After Drew Brees

While publicity has surrounded Drew Brees lately and his ongoing feud with NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell over “bountygate” it is the Saints quarterback’s contract negotiations and lack of a deal that has raised the ire of one particular NFL player who has chosen to remain anonymous.

The unnamed player – said to be under a franchise tag like Brees – came out recently with barbs directed at Brees for his inability to sign a multi-year deal currently on the table that would reportedly make him one of the NFL’s highest paid players:

"“Nothing against Drew, but he’s kind of become (the NFLPA’s) fair-haired boy”"

What the comments refer to is that despite being reported offered a massive contract over several years Brees has continued to push for more money and the NFLPA is said to have appealed to Roger Goodell that Brees’ involvement in proceedings during the 2010 lockout has stopped the NFL passing record holder and current AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year from receiving a fair go in contract negotiations.

While it is almost certain that a deal will be struck between the Saints and Brees by the time the July 16 deadline for franchise tagged contracts occurs, this is not true of all franchisees this season with a total of six franchised players having not signed their tenders just a fortnight before the deadline. Some of these players have been fighting tooth and nail just to get a decent offer on the table when Brees has rejected the reported lucrative contract. For players who are not getting the contracts they deserve you can imagine the frustration they must feel at what is viewed by some as a money-grab.

While this denouncement of Brees actions in contract talks and the NFLPA’s appeal to the Commissioner might make for a nice press story, the reality is that while Brees has certainly garnered favor in the union their appeal on behalf of Brees isn’t so much about his lack of money but rather the underlying concern that if there is a bias within the Saints organisation toward Brees as a result of his involvement in lockout proceedings then this must be addressed. In fact should these claims prove to be correct this would violate the new collective bargaining agreement.

To the anonymous player who called out Drew Brees – you got this completely wrong. Drew Brees has his right to due process just the same as you do.

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