The vote to decide Gene Upshaw's replacement as executive director of the National Football League's Players Association has taken on elements of political intrigue usually found in the most lurid John Grisham novel, including smear campaigns, dark horse candidates, and write-in votes for last minute entries. The vote, scheduled to take place in Hawaii on Sunday, will be a key moment that will help determine if the NFL can maintain the labor peace between players and owners that has existed for almost two decades. The race is down to four finalists, including former player Troy Vincent, who believes he's been a target of false allegations that he previously tried to overthrow Upshaw before his death last year.
See "Contentious campaign, critical vote for NFLPA's top job", Jarrett Bell, USA Today, March 10, 2009