New NFLPA Head Influences Settlement between Union, Retired Players

While it remains to be seen whether he can work with the NFL to create a new Collective Bargaining Agreement to replace the one set to expire after this season, new NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith is already having a positive impact on other fronts.   Smith and the plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against the NFLPA held a joint press conference on June 5, 2009 to announce a settlement in that litigation.   Specifically, the NFLPA agreed to drop its appeal of a $28.1 millio