NFLPA disapproves of proposed Pad rule

So…how safe is too safe?

An NFL proposed rule change would require that the usage of thigh and knee pads would be mandatory for all players beginning with the 2013 NFL season. The proposed rule change will be reviewed at the league’s spring meeting, which takes place today.

The NFL Players Association? Not too excited about said proposed rule change, according to a FOX Sports report,

“Guys want to feel as sleek as possible,” NFLPA president Domonique Foxworth told FOXSports.com last year. “Anything that inhibits that makes them feel it’s slowing them down or getting in their way. Some guys have never played with those pads. It’s difficult for them to wrap their heads around it mentally.”

The mandatory usage of pads comes at a time when the NFL is under fire from retired players over what they feel was a lack of information regarding player safety. To date, over 2,000 retired players have filed suit against the league, mainly for issues regarding lack of knowledge about the dangers of concussions and their treatment. Seemingly in an effort to head off potential lawsuits down the road regarding knee and thigh issues, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the league itself, are proposing the rule as a part of a group of safety initiatives that seek to make the game safer for the players involved. There had been discussions of a pad rule since the 2010-2011 season, but this is the first time the proposed rule will be voted on by the owners.

Of course, as Foxworth said, implementation of the pad rule may prohibit players from playing at their peak proficiency, which in turn effects on-field product and the players’ attitudes; it’s a delicate balancing act.

Empirical data showing that thigh and knee pad usage would decrease injuries would probably go a long way in satiating the NFLPA, but the league has not yet provided them with said evidence, according to FOXSports,

“It sounds obvious that it would (reduce injuries), but it’s not necessarily true,” the source said.

The NFLPA is alleging that the rule change would violate the current collective bargaining agreement and they plan to take the change before an arbitrator, if the 75% owner voting threshold is met.

Currently, NFL teams are prohibited from fining a player who does not wear knee or thigh pads. They can however fine players who, without pads, suffer a related leg injury during practice.