Most of the news surrounding the NBA lockout has involved Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher. With his duties as the players’ association president, Fisher has been at the heart of everything happening so far this off-season.
Earlier this month Fisher wrote a letter to the players asking them to be prepared for a labor meeting, and he has sent another letter urging the players to remain united in their upcoming meeting.
Marc Stein released the latest article written by Fisher, asking the players to remain united and focused on receiving what they believe is fair from the owners.
“Our game has never been more popular and we’re poised to see tremendous revenue growth over the next 5 to 6 years. … We must share fairly in the continued growth of our business. Any deal that decouples us from a fair share of the revenue growth in the years ahead is a deal we cannot accept. Period!….
There are a number of team owners that will not lose the season over the hard cap system. We’ve been clear from Day 1 of this process that we cannot sign off on a deal that attempts in any way to include a hard salary cap for our teams. That has not changed,” Fisher said. “Unless you, the group we represent, tell us otherwise, we are prepared to hold the line for as long as it takes to preserve the system we’ve worked so hard to build…..
I want to make something absolutely clear about this process,” Fisher wrote. “You ultimately have the voice and the power in these negotiations. Those of us that are in the room negotiating with the NBA cannot agree to any deal or deal points, good or bad, without taking your vote. Despite what you may hear, we don’t have the authority to sell you out or sell you short.”
Fisher is obviously looking to promote a united front for the players against the owners. With more and more pressure being put on the league’s star players to get involved with the negotiations, Fisher is looking to establish an indestructible union so the players can stay on the same page throughout the lockout.
