The Unbroken Line is the riveting story of
how truly heartless the business of professional football
was and is - from the poor pension plans and inadequate
medical benefits to the greed of union leadership which the
authors argue takes advantage of and turns its back on the
very individuals who make the game great. At no time in the
annals of sports has the timing of a book been more
important.
This unique story provides a
fascinating inside look at how a group of players and one
attorney strategically outwitted the NFL and the Players'
Union leadership to score an historic and crucial victory
for players' rights. The year was 1982, a few courageous men
stood up to their powerful administrative adversaries when
no one else would during the most turbulent time in the
history of professional football. What was at stake then and
now again in 2010 is the players' ability to earn salaries
and benefits that are in line with their contributions to
their teams.
The authors, former Pro Bowl tight
end Billy Joe DuPree and highly respected attorney Spencer
Kopf, not only reveal the successful plan that began the end
of player exploitation, but they also skillfully compare the
peril players faced in 1982 to the heart wrenching
situations of present-day, retired union members.
