Ex-Bear Duerson Calls Ditka a Hypocrite

Over the past few months, famed former Bears coach Mike Ditka has been an outspoken advocate for NFL Players Association pension changes to improve the lives of disabled players from the 1960s and ‘70s. Along with former Green Bay Packers Jerry Kramer, he's raised awareness of the plight of these retired gridironers' and no small amount of money.

But at least one person isn't impressed.

In a recent Chicago Tribune interview, former Bears safety Dave Duerson questioned Ditka's sincerity and had harsh words for his ex-coach.

"Mike was not one who gave a damn about the players or their injuries when he was coaching. He was very disrespectful of guys who got hurt and now he's trying to champion for a couple of guys. The fact of the matter is he's way off base and he's late in the game."

Duerson has his own reasons for questioning Ditka's attack of the NFLPA.

As one of six trustees who oversees the benefits process on its retirement board, he monitors a process governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). So essentially, he's defending his actions against Ditka's allegations.

Duerson explained that the process is governed by strict ERISA standards that cannot be altered arbitrarily.

"We want every player to get the money because it's our [retired NFL players] money. But it's not subjective at all. We are governed by ERISA laws. I have a fiduciary responsibility and I'm not going to jail for anybody."

Duerson believes Ditka's true motives for his attacks against NFLPA lurk beneath the surface.

"Mike has always been anti-union. When I was player rep for the Bears, just having a typical union meeting was a major piece of work. After we struck (1987) and had the scab players, Mike threatened the entire team that we better not touch the scab guys he was keeping."

Look, I'm not a big Ditka fan myself. I think he's a self-important blowhard.

But, c'mon, guys. Whether you two hate each other isn't the issue here. Duerson is doing the best he can, given the severe constraints he has to operate under. And Ditka is sincere about wanting to make life better for ex-NFLers living in pain and poverty.

Bottom line, until active players collectively bargain better deals and provide more money for benefits, there's not much that can be done.

Dureson said it himself:

"It's the active players who control the purse strings. It's just that simple. We can't do enough for our retired players. It's the fastest-growing fraternity in pro sports and that's what the current guys don't realize just like we didn't when we were playing. I was like everybody else. I thought I was going to play 30 years."

So how about you two quit the fingerpointing and join forces. Maybe then, you can actually educate the current NFL players and get something done for these retirees?

thanks to AOL Fanhouse for tip