Kevin Carter: Union down, not out

Defensive lineman Kevin Carter is one of 11 members on the players union executive committee, so today's news of director Gene Upshaw's death hit especially close to home for the veteran.

But even after Upshaw's shocking death Wednesday night, Carter vowed the union will continue to be fueled by the Upshaw's principles as the NFL moves toward a period of potential labor unrest.

"We're not going to miss a beat in terms of business," Carter said. "We'll only take a minute to mourn the loss. . . There are a lot of things that are pressing and there are a lot of issues to address. Gene was the one who brought us together. If anyone thinks we're not going to be as strong now because Gene isn't there, they're sadly mistaken. Gene gave us our strength and he still continues even though he's not here with us in body. He gives us the strength to go on."

It's no secret there are going to be some battles waged against owners, who earlier this year voted to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement after the 2010 season. The sides will try to negotiate an extension before then, but talks could be acrimonious.

At those times, Carter said, Upshaw's leadership will be missed.

"Our union, from where it's come before his involvement to now, is an astronomical transformation," he caid. "And I don't care what you say. Those transformations don't just happen because time passes on and things change. There had to be a process by which things got better in the NFL. And that process was headed up by none other than Gene Upshaw."