Retired NFL players seeking better pensions dispute union chief’s claim that rift is settled

Retired NFL players to union: Rift not settled

IRVING, Texas — Retired NFL players seeking better benefits have a message for new union leader DeMaurice Smith: Their dispute isn’t over.

A vocal group headed by Hall of Famers Joe DeLamielleure and Elvin Bethea on Tuesday rejected a recent claim by the executive director of the NFL Players Association that the union and former players have settled their differences.

The retired players say Smith’s assurances that benefits will improve is nothing more than talk until they see proposals. The ex-players want $100 million added to the pension fund to help NFL alums, particularly those with debilitating injuries.

The group spoke with reporters in Irving, Texas, not far from a meeting of NFL owners.