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Richard Sherman: NFL players must be willing to strike for big contracts

By The Sports Xchange
Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates during a game against the New England Patriots last season. Photo by Matthew Healey/ UPI
Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates during a game against the New England Patriots last season. Photo by Matthew Healey/ UPI | License Photo

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman declared NFL players need to be willing to strike in order to secure large guaranteed contracts like those being signed this offseason by NBA players.

When asked by ESPN's Jalen Rose on Wednesday if NFL players would have to consider such a stance to get similar deals, Sherman was quick with a response.

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"Oh, 100 percent," said Sherman, who is also a member of the NFL Player Association's Executive Committee.

"If we want as the NFL, as a union, to get anything done, players have to be willing to strike. That's the thing that guys need to 100 percent realize.

"You're going to have to miss games, you're going to have to lose some money if you're willing to make the point, because that's how MLB and NBA got it done. They missed games, they struck, they flexed every bit of power they had, and it was awesome. It worked out for them."

Sherman cited Kevin Durant and LeBron James as examples of how NFL players should view contracts.

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"NBA players like KD and LeBron are sitting there taking two-year deals like it's nothing," Sherman said. "They figure, 'I'll take a two-year deal because I'm going to wait for the salary cap to increase and get another bite at the apple.' In our sport, they won't do it."

The NBA player lockout in 2011 shortened the season from 82 games to 66, but the players won a larger share of revenue and the salary cap and luxury tax were restructured.

Major League Baseball's last player strike occurred in 1994 and 1995, resulting in the 1994 World Series being canceled.

The NFL players went on strike in 1982, resulting in a nine-game season. The league had a lockout in 2011, but it lasted from March to July and did not alter the regular season.

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