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NFL VP Troy Vincent criticizes NFLPA for spending money on lawsuits

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent believes the NFLPA could be making better use of its money.

Speaking with ESPN's Ashley Fox, Vincent criticized the union's recent strategy of using the courts to challenge NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's ability to suspend players:

Look at the amount of money being spent on legal fees for a handful of people. It's millions and millions of dollars, and we've got players that are hurting.

We've got young men who don't know how to identify a good financial adviser. Men are in transition who aren't doing well, and yet $8-10 million a year is spent in court fees about who should make a decision on someone, who in some cases has committed a crime.

Think about that logically. Wouldn't it be better to spend our time and resources on the issues that are vital to our players - past, present and future - such as the players' total wellness and growing the game together?

The union has not officially responded but NFLPA spokesman George Atallah tweeted, in direct reference to Vincent's comments, "You consider the infinite number of ways to respond to something like this and simple is best: 'small.'"

There have been a number of high-profile appeals against the NFL as of late, including those of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy and, most recently, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Speaking on Brady's case specifically, Vincent said he doesn't believe other quarterbacks in the NFL deflate footballs.

"Somebody has to protect the integrity of the game," Vincent said. "That's my responsibility, to protect and preserve the competitive fairness of professional football. That's why our game is so great, because we protect the integrity of the game."

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