NFL players union opposes right-to-work in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS | As Indianapolis prepares to host the Super Bowl next month, the union of professional football players has condemned the push for an Indiana right-to-work law.

The NFL Players Association said in a statement Friday that right-to-work "is a political ploy designed to destroy basic workers' rights."

"It's the wrong priority for Indiana," the NFL players said.

The NFLPA did not threaten to boycott the Super Bowl or take any other direct action should Indiana enact a right-to-work law. The Super Bowl routinely is played in Texas, Louisiana and Florida, all right-to-work states.

The players reminded state lawmakers that success on the football field requires everyone to work together as a team.

"The Super Bowl should be a time to shine in the national spotlight and highlight the hardworking families that make Indiana run instead of launching political attacks on their basic rights," the players said.

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, co-sponsor of the right-to-work legislation, said the statement will not affect his efforts. He also said he doubted any NFL players were involved in issuing the statement.