Rookie Pay Scale

Roger Goodell calls the rookie pay scale "ridiculous."

What's so interesting is that this puts him at odds with union boss Gene Upshaw, who for some bizarre reason continues to defend the exorbitant pay being doled out to draftees who aren't even members of his union until they sign those mammoth contracts. What's also interesting is that given the NFL's salary cap, this would be a front burner issue for the owners. After all, why should they care how the money is distributed, it's still coming from a finite pool of funds. More money for rookies just means less for veterans but in the end is still the same amount being paid out by teams. (Note one concern from the owners might be the bonus cash, which teams have to payout up front.).

Can't help but think Goodell's position is a negotiating tactic in the upcoming bargaining with the union over a new CBA and an attempt to divide the union and undermine Upshaw's standing with the players because of his ludicrous position on the issue.