De Smith: Lockout Isn't About 'Shut Up And Play'
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The executive director of the NFL Players Association says the lockout shouldn't be boiled down to "Shut up and play."
DeMaurice Smith was the guest speaker Thursday at the University of Maryland's commencement. He told the graduates that the players made the decision two years ago to think in a different direction. The new mindset: "Do we care enough about who we are and who we want to be?"
He told the students to think the same way, saying they should pursue their goals with passion and reject those who tell them otherwise.
Smith attended classes at Maryland in 1985 and 1986. He also paid tribute to men's basketball coach Gary Williams, who retired earlier this month.
Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
