Retirees Send Letter To NFL Asking For Input

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A group of retired football players has sent the NFL a letter asking to be a part of the collective bargaining negotiations.

The letter was sent Thursday and a copy of it was provided to The Associated Press by Michael Hausfeld, an attorney for the retired players.

In it, the players refer to a letter they received from Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and Packers CEO Mark Murphy that said improving benefits and retirement plans were a "top priority."

The retired players say the disbanded players' union does not have the right to negotiate for them.

Retired players filed a complaint on July 4 alleging that the NFL and NFLPA "have conspired" to set low retiree benefit and pension payments.

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