Trey Wingo and former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith dive straight into the real conversation behind the NFL’s push for an 18 game regular season in this breakout from Straight Facts, Homie. Trey sets the table by reminding Smith that during his 15 year tenure the NFLPA negotiated two massive CBAs, including the decade long 2011 deal and the current agreement that runs through 2030. From there, Smith explains what the league is really signaling when Roger Goodell publicly floats an 18 game model, and why owners have zero fear of a player strike. Smith breaks down how the NFL bought the 17th game for more than a billion dollars, why owners will always push for more inventory, and what it would actually cost the league if players refused unpaid OTAs or pushed back collectively. He also explains the leverage the players won in 2011 by forcing the league to negotiate any schedule expansion, and why that clause may be the most important protection they have left. This isn’t rumor...