Four teams will enter the MLR playoffs this weekend. Two will continue. Yet, any player could be the one to make a lasting impact on the league.
As the players’ push for a recognized union continues, this weekend provides every player with the opportunity to push the message. Until this point, the messaging has been passive. A recent article in the Guardian added to the push, but individual players have remained relatively silent.
That should change.
Every playoff game will be on national television. At a time when the rights of labor are seen more favorably than a few years ago, it’s a chance for players to take the message to the masses.
It doesn’t have to be a massive, direct shot. It could be armbands or a player interview that mentions the lack of health insurance. It’s not hard to script. Tie in how hard the team worked, mention a player that at least appeared to take an injury, then mention you hope he’ll be ok since players don’t receive health insurance.
But it will have to be forced. The commentators, who’s employment is determined by the league, will not ask. A drift won’t work; a blitz is required.
The push for a recognized union in MLR is long overdue, yet massive amounts of fans have no idea the issue exists. Take it to them. Up to this point, the league has largely keep the issue quiet, it’s up to the players to force the issue. And without a World Cup this year, the players will never have this much influence until next season.
In this game, the owners will always have the ball. Now, it’s time for the players to start putting them under some pressure.
RugbyFootballTalk 