NFLPA’s Smith: League’s players back college union

DeMaurice Smith says the NFLPA 'stands firmly behind' Kain Colter. (USATSI) The bid by Northwestern football players to form the first-ever college athletes' union might have the approval of the National Labor Relations Board, but that hasn't exactly meant support for their cause has been universal, with opponents ranging from the NCAA and Mark Emmert to the Wildcats' own coach Pat Fitzgerald voicing their strident opposition.

But the College Athletes Players Association and leader Kain Colter will be happy to have the now-public support of the one union that arguably knows better than any other the issues with modern college football: the NFL Players Association. Writing at the Huffington, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith wrote Tuesday that NFL players "stand firmly behind" Colter and the CAPA.

Smith's post, titled "The Truth About Kain Colter's Stand and Why NFL Players Support Him," argues that the NCAA and its proponents have offered a "classic bait-and-switch argument" that has taken the focus away from the actual issues raised by the CAPA -- "full medical coverage for injuries sustained, limitations on practice time, scholarship shortfalls and rules to make promised education a reality" -- and onto the pay-for-play debate.

"The response of the NCAA, the university president and people who don't want to hear Kain and his teammates is essentially, 'Shut up and play,'" Smith writes. "Current and future college athletes -- and especially their parents -- should stand behind, support, and be proud of a young man who decided not to just 'shut up and play.' Kain Colter has met the challenge, and we know others will too."

Whether Colter's and his teammates' movement succeeds or not remains very much a matter of debate and speculation -- current Northwestern players have been publicly ambivalent about the union ahead of the team's April 25 vote to unionize or not, and the NLRB's original ruling could still be overturned -- but there's little doubt that the NFLPA will be a highly, highly welcomed ally in the CAPA's fight.

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Cleveland acquires former Lions WR Burleson



The Cleveland Browns have added a veteran wide receiver to line up opposite franchise superstar, Josh Gordon in 2014. Former Detroit Lions wideout Nate Burleson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Browns, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.Burleson is an 11 year NFL veteran. He spent the last four seasons in Detroit. In nine games in 2013, he caught 39 passes for 461 yards and one touchdown. Due to injuries, Burleson has only played a combined 15 games the past two seasons.



Burleson isn't a stud by any means, but he's a huge step up from what they had as their #2 wideout last season, which was either the less-than-sure-handed Greg Little or the troubled Davone Bess, depending on the week. Their 2nd best pass-catcher was tight end Jordan Cameron, who was an extremely pleasant surprise, hauling in 80 balls for 917 yards and seven touchdowns.Burleson missed a couple months last season due to a pizza-related car accident that left him with a broken arm, but he was effective when he played. He won't be a standout fantasy player in Cleveland, as they are currently showing Brian Hoyer as their quarterback. There is a chance that could be addressed through the draft, in which the Browns own the #4 overall pick.The real winner in this could possibly be stud receiver Josh Gordon. He finished the 2013 season with 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. His yardage total was tops in the league. He did all this with the lack of a #2 that was a threat, and despite having three different starting QB's, as Hoyer, Jason Campbell, and Brandon Weeden took turns at the position.WIth the addition of Burleson, if they address their QB dilemma through the draft, Gordon could actually IMPROVE on last season. He missed two games. He didn't have a quarterback. He still led the league in receiving yards. It may be unfair to him, but he SHOULD have a better season... Think about that.