Turf Wars

“A no-holds-barred look at [Smith’s] tenure at the helm of the labor union … Heartlessness was typical, in Smith’s telling, and caused him to view the ‘greedy billionaires’ running the league as ‘the same kinds of people who have traditionally accumulated power in the United States: rich, narcissistic, insecure.’ This insider account hits hard.”—Publishers Weekly“Depicts an industry awash in bad blood … Smith took the job in what looked like a hopeful new era epitomized by Barack Obama’s presidency, but his ‘idealism’ was destroyed by his dealings with the powerful men who run the game… . Smith includes memorable glimpses of star players … [and] shares fascinating anecdotes about the intrigue surrounding union votes and how some influential players are increasingly susceptible to ‘the misinformation virus.’”—Kirkus Reviews“With obvious appeal to football fans interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the battles between players and ownership, Smith’s story would benefit anyone looking to work (or play) in the professional sports arena.”—Booklist

DeMaurice Smith is the former executive director of the National Football League Players Association. Prior to the NFLPA, Smith was an assistant United States attorney, counsel to the US deputy attorney general, and a partner in major law firms. Smith is currently a law and business professor in residence.