NFL Player Rep Ramon Foster Urges Players to Save Money for Possible Lockout

The NFL could be headed for another lockout when the collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2020 season, and player discipline has become a major point of contention.

Pittsburgh Steelers player representative Ramon Foster wants players to prepare for the future by saving money, which would theoretically make them more willing to miss games.

The offensive guard explained this would be the only way for players to get what they want, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com:

"

Hit them in the pocket. That way, money always talks. For us to do that, we have to save on our end. We can't be just blowing money and not realize what's coming, especially with guys coming into the league now.

[...]

It's coming. They've hired certain people on their legal team, the NFL has, and we have to be the type of players and union that's not borrowing money from banks and stuff like that to survive a lockout, a strike. That can't happen this time around. We have to be smarter this time around because there are a lot of things we're going to be fighting for and a lot of things they are going to want and we're going to want, too.

"

The last lockout occurred before the 2011 season, with the labor stoppage lasting 136 days before the owners and players agreed to a new CBA in late July. The preseason and training-camp schedules were affected, but no games were canceled.

As Foster alluded to, the players caved on a number of issues to end the lockout and resume getting paid. This time, it seems like veteran player want to find a way to turn the tables.

While there will be several matters to take care of in the next round of negotiations, including the split of revenue and health care for players, Commissioner Roger Goodell's power will be a key issue.

Andrew Brandt of ESPN noted this was a problem before the current CBA was signed:

Former Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson offered his take on what happened in 2011, per Damon Amendolara of CBS Sports Radio:

Foster's Steelers teammates, including Le'Veon Bell, have been subjected to a variety of penalties. The Pro Bowl running back was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the substance-abuse policy, though the punishment was reduced to three games.

Pittsburgh wide receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended for the season, and linebacker James Harrison has also feuded with Goodell, including being forced to meet with the commissioner over allegations of performance-enhancing drug use.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also famously battled with the league over his Deflategate suspension.

Players may have to wait five years to reduce Goodell's power, but you can be certain they'll ask for some massive changes in 2021.

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