The National Football League Players Association has been led for a quarter century by Gene Upshaw, whose often brusque demeanor, combined with his stances on issues like guaranteed contracts and pension plans, has made him a controversial figure.Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover and New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara are among the players who have publicly criticized Upshaw's leadership and questioned whether it's time for someone else to come along. But Upshaw still has the support of the majority of players' union leaders, including 49ers cornerback Walt Harris.
Harris had this to say to the San Francisco Chronicle about criticism of Upshaw:
It's undoubtedly true that the numbers, in terms of players' salaries, have grown significantly for union membership while Upshaw has run the Players Association. But when Harris says there couldn't have been a better person in the position, I disagree. I think it's possible to achieve salary growth while also not threatening to break people's necks. Upshaw has done plenty of good things for the union, but eventually I think the players will find someone better."I think it comes from a lack of knowledge," Harris said this week before the 49ers wrapped up three weeks of voluntary drills. "He's done an exceptional job. I don't think we could have had a better person in that position to lead us.
"If you look at the numbers and where we've been with him over the years, they speak for themselves."
