DeMaurice Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
DeMaurice Smith
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Smith in 2018
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| Born | February 3, 1964 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Education | Cedarville University (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |
| Occupation | Attorney, former executive director of the NFL Players Association |
DeMaurice F. "De" Smith (born February 3, 1964) is an American lawyer. He used to be the top leader, called the executive director, of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). The NFLPA is like a union for professional football players in the NFL.
Smith was chosen for this important role on March 15, 2009. He helped the players and NFL team owners work together during a time when games were stopped in 2011. This was called the 2011 NFL lockout. He played a big part in helping them agree on new rules for how players and teams work together. This agreement is known as a collective bargaining agreement. Smith was replaced by Lloyd Howell Jr. on June 23, 2023.
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What is DeMaurice Smith Known For?
DeMaurice Smith is best known for leading the NFLPA. He worked to make sure players had fair pay, good health care, and safe playing conditions. He also helped players understand how to manage their careers.
Early Life and Education
DeMaurice Smith was born on February 3, 1964. He grew up in Washington, D.C.
He went to Cedarville University in Ohio and earned a bachelor's degree in political science. Later, he studied law at the University of Virginia School of Law. He earned a law degree, which is called a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
Career as a Lawyer
Before working with the NFL players, DeMaurice Smith was a lawyer who handled court cases. He worked for big law firms in Washington, D.C. He also worked for the U.S. Department of Justice. This is a part of the government that makes sure laws are followed.
He spent many years working on important legal issues. He represented large companies and argued cases in special courts.
Leading the NFL Players Association
On March 15, 2009, the players in the NFLPA chose Smith to be their executive director. Even though he didn't play football professionally, his experience as a lawyer and his connections helped him get the job.
He was chosen again in 2012 and 2015. As the leader, Smith believed that players should have more say in their careers. He wanted them to learn more about their rights and be involved in decisions. His main goals were to get better salaries for players and improve their safety. He also focused on long-term health care and benefits for players, even after they retired.
The 2011 NFL Lockout
One of the biggest challenges during Smith's time was the 2011 NFL lockout. This happened when the players and team owners could not agree on a new contract. During a lockout, players cannot play, and teams cannot sign new players.
DeMaurice Smith worked hard with the NFLPA to talk with the NFL owners. They discussed important things like player safety, fair pay, and health care for both current and retired players. In July 2011, they finally reached an agreement. This meant the football season could start.
Other Activities
DeMaurice Smith has given speeches at graduation ceremonies for the University of Virginia School of Law in 2015 and the University of Maryland in 2011. In 2017, he joined the board of directors for a lacrosse club in Prince George's County.
Images for kids
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Smith in 2018
