The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Demaurice Smith Talks 'Turf Wars,' NFL 'Unincorporated,' Colin Kaepernick, Shedeur Sanders + More
Sep 5, 2025
Demaurice Smith, the former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association and author of 'Turf Wars', shares his insights on navigating the complex world of professional football. He delves into the blackballing of players like Colin Kaepernick and discusses the power dynamics in NFL negotiations, revealing challenges players face in asserting their rights. Smith also evaluates the collegiate performance of Shadur Sanders vs. Johnny Manziel, highlighting systemic issues in player treatment and the significance of unity among players.
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NFL Power Trumps Player Pay
- DeMaurice Smith frames the NFL fight as one over power and control rather than just money.
- He argues players historically lost value from added games because owners retained control and revenue.
Question Schedule Changes Like Work Rules
- Players should understand workplace governance and ask hard questions about how schedule changes affect pay.
- Smith advises treating league changes like labor negotiations, not automatic benefits for players.
How The NFL Avoids Public Scrutiny
- Smith describes the NFL as an unregulated organization that privatizes wealth and socializes costs.
- He highlights stadium subsidies, LLC structures, and lack of audited public financial statements as evidence.
