Wilson: Thomas denies strike rumors

In a strong denial, New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas dismissed rumors that the players are contemplating a postseason strike.

The Patriots' NFL Players Association player representative didn't mince words when asked by Yahoo! Sports about the prospects of a work stoppage.

”To be blunt, it’s a flat-out, bald-faced, capital-letters lie,” Thomas said. ”We’re not the ones who are interested in not playing. We want to play. We’re not going on strike.

"We signed this agreement and we’re fine with it. We’re happy. We don’t want to stop playing football. I’ve never heard that. Not one time.”

The NFLPA, through spokesman George Atallah, declined to comment.

The NFL owners have opted out of the collective bargaining agreement early.

Negotiations toward a new CBA haven't heated up yet at all.

”Reporters act like we’re the ones who opted out of the agreement and that’s not true," Thomas said. "We’re not the ones who wanted to opt out. We’re happy with the agreement. We want to continue the agreement the way it is.

"We’re fine. We’re not interested in a strike. There might be a lockout, not a strike. A lockout by the owners.”

Thomas emphasized that the idea of a playoff strike isn't realistic, or desired by the players.

”How would that scare them?” Thomas said. ”First, we can’t do it. Second, why would we go on strike at the time of the year everybody plays for? You play the entire season to get to the playoffs.

"That’s when, as a player, you want to play the most. You want to go to the Super Bowl and you have four weeks to get there. You think we want to stop that? That’s the dumbest thing I have ever heard.”

Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider

Comments

Add a Comment