NFL Lockout Not Just About Football. It’s About 150,000 Jobs
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Each community with an NFL team stands to lose as much as $160 million if the team owners force a lockout next season. If the owners get away with the lockout, it could cost 150,000 jobs nationwide and have a ripple effect on how other workers across the country are treated, according to people who labor on the field and in the stadiums.
At a Washington, D.C., press conference, sponsored by American Rights at Work (ARAW) and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), participants said the 150,000 jobs estimate is based on the NFL’s own numbers. That means workers including ushers, concession stand attendants, grounds crews, security, waiters, waitresses, hotel staffs and others will face the loss of jobs, said Kimberly Freeman Brown, ARAW’s executive director.
Pro Athletes Take Field to Help Native Children
Members of the Professional Athletes came together in a benefit for Native American children at the union’s recent 14th annual “Evening With the Stars” gala in Washington, D.C. The gala featured a silent auction and a live auction of sports memorabilia and Native American art.
An estimated 1.3 million Native Americans currently live on reservations, and many suffer from poor health, poverty and inadequate education. Proceeds from the gala will benefit Native Vision, a nonprofit initiative that connects Native American youth with professional athlete mentors through a variety of health and education programs.
The union hopes the involvement of pro football players will help draw attention to the challenges facing many Native Americans.
