Tomorrow is a big day for the 2011 NFL Lockout. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (AKA The Supreme Bum-Outs) is expected to rule on the NFL's request for a permanent stay on the decision to lift the lockout. If they grant the stay the lockout will remain in place until the court hears and rules on Brady v NFL, or—and here's a novel idea—the two sides agree on a new CBA.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... -shutdown/
the NFL could be prepared to completely shut down its doors, or as Florio says "go out of business." That way they would not be locking the players out but would be completely closing shop. Florio admits that this is just a rumor he is hearing, but Florio is not the type of reporter that is just going to throw out flimsy rumors. I imagine there is some teeth to this.
It certainly isn't a stretch to think the owners would do this. Florio reports the owners know they would look bad in the court of public opinion, but they also realize this is the last measure they have left to try and keep an upper hand in the negotiations. The question should be, is it worth it?
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
I can't believe I missed this earlier: The 8th Circuit Appeal granted the NFL a stay - meaning that they can shut out the players until the court hears the full appeal June 3rd.
“It is now time to devote all of our energy to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will improve the game for the benefit of current and retired players, teams, and, most importantly, the fans. This litigation has taken the parties away from the negotiating table where these issues should be resolved. We remain confident that the appellate court will determine that this is a labor dispute that should be governed by federal labor law. But the league and players, without further delay, should control their own destiny and decide the future of the NFL together through negotiation.”
While it’s possible that Monday’s ruling represents a major leverage shift toward the owners in this ongoing staredown, I’m sensing a little bit of McCombs-style overreaction from many of my fellow journalists, albeit without the nonsensical rambling.
For the players, Monday’s ruling constituted a single defeat after a long run of good news on the legal front. By no means was it a conclusive death blow. The players are still standing firm in their quest for a better deal than the ones which have been offered by the owners on March 11, shortly before the NFL Players Association decertified and the existing collective bargaining agreement expired, and during mediation sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
Rest assured that neither the rank and file nor the leaders on the players’ side, including NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, are panicking in the wake of Monday’s opinion. The smart move would be to stay calm, counter the owners’ most recent offer and attempt to negotiate a compromise that results in a new, multiyear CBA and leaves both sides feeling reasonably good about the outcome.
Based on my conversations with key figures on both sides of the conflict, I believe that’s ultimately what will happen, despite the posturing from each camp.
Are they just standing firm in a show of solidarity, or could this bode ill for players in other sports down the road?
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... ers-unions NFL lockout doesn't sit well with other sports' players unions
Associated Press
Published: May 20, 2011
The players associations for Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League filed a brief Friday with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, saying the NFL case presents "vitally important issues" for the unions and their members. The players' associations say athletes' careers are short, and the loss of even part of a season causes personal and professional injures that can't be compensated.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
