NFL owners back extra pads for players next year

Since it is a collective bargaining issue, NFL owners will now negotiate with the players' union about required knee and thigh pads.

By

Agence France-Presse

Tue, May 22 2012 at 4:26 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore is brought down by New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph

GOING DOWN HARD: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is brought down by New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph (bottom) and defensive end Jason Pierre-Pau on Jan. 22. (Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters)

NEW YORK — National Football League owners voted on May 22 to require thigh pads and knee pads be worn by all players starting in 2013, a matter that will now be negotiated with the NFL Players Association.

NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay said that owners backed the plan, which must be agreed upon by the players union before it can be enacted.

"Any change in working conditions is a collectively-bargained issue," the union said in a statement.

"While the NFL is focused on one element of health and safety today, the NFLPA believes that health and safety requires a comprehensive approach and commitment.

"We are engaged in and monitor many different issues, such as players' access to medical records, prescription usage and the situation with professional football's first responders, NFL referees.

"We always look forward to meeting with the NFL to discuss any and all matters related to player health and safety."

The NFL has tried to implement testing for human-growth hormones but has not been able to reach agreement with union leaders on the details.