Lockout Blues Once Again

I have tried to stay away and not comment on the lockout this summer. I was waiting patiently for the lockout to end to comment on what I thought about this disgraceful labor dispute in the NFL. Last week, I almost typed a review column on the end of the lockout, and I was going to draft it and post it when the lockout ended. It seemed that was going to be the case this week and most likely on Thursday; however, as Roddy Piper once said, "Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions." That quote sums up this lockout perfectly. Everytime you think it is close to being done, there is a snag or a delay. Everytime you think progress is being made, there is a contradictory statement that the progress isn't moving along as quickly as one thought. Everytime you hear one issue being settled, then you hear another one crops up that is more important. Everytime you hear that they are working towards an agreement, you hear that there is more hard work that needs to be done. Forgive me for being a little angry right now, but I am just representing the masses on this one. I love the NFL and following the NFL-specifically my beloved Denver Broncos-is a passion, hobby, and a way of life for me, but this lockout has definitely affected my affections for the sport I care about so dearly. It has affected all NFL fans deeply as well, and it will get really bad if regular season games are missed. Before I lose it completely, let's review for a second. The last time I posted on the lockout, it looked like this thing would be settled by early to mid July. I was fine with that, and I'm sure a lot of NFL fans were too. Progress was being made, the two parties were gaining trust, core issues were being addressed and settled, lawyers were grinding away, and everything seemed to be on track for a settlement. July 4th came and went without a deal, but there was still reason to believe a deal was right around the corner. July 10th went by and no deal yet, but things are moving the right direction. July 15th was supposed to be an internal deadline for a deal, but that date came and went and still no agreement. The two were to meet with Judge Boylan on July 19th and then the Owners could vote at their meeting on July 21st with the players to either vote the day before or on the 21st. Well, the players didn't vote on the 20th, but the Owners went ahead and voted on the 21st. Did the players follow and vote that night as well? Of course they didn't! Why would they? That leads us to this question: What the hell is going on here. Well, to help answer it I figured I would do a little "Q & A" on what to make of this situation.

Was it a power play by the owners to go ahead and vote on the new CBA on Thursday?

Yes, it was a power play, but I don't think it necessarily is the wrong play by the Owners. In 2006, Gene Upshaw basically did the same thing to the Owners. He gave them a take it or leave it deal as he boarded a plane to go to Hawaii and discuss decertification with the union. The Owners felt that they negotiated everything that was important with the players and basically said, "Here is the deal, we negotiated all the major aspects with you guys, now take it, ratify it, and let's get going with the season." The players might not like that tactic, but time is running short, and I don't think it was a bad strategic move by the Owners.

Do you think Roger Goodell pulled a fast one on DeMaurice Smith?

This is the question that I want answered: What was said between Goodell and Smith before the vote took place and after it went down? It is documented that the two men spoke with each other, but what was said. Did Goodell screw De Smith over? I can't see Goodell going ahead with the vote if Smith was adamant about not doing it. Their trust would be broken, and that kind of move would never result in any deal between the two of them. Something is amiss here, but one thing I think is true is that Goodell and Smith were somehow communicating and on the same page at least. If Smith truly was objecting to a deal, then it is highly doubtful that Goodell would go through with the vote.

Why do you think the players are waiting to ratify this proposal?

In my opinion, the players are doing a couple of things. First, they want to sort out all of the details and make the decision in thoughtful and precise manner. Second, they want to make the owners sweat a little. Third, they want to win a little public relations back by making it look like they want to make sure this deal is the right deal they want to sign. The players are playing a little game with the owners here. Lastly, there are some finishing details and points that they want to get to Owners to look. When that is all done, then I think they will vote on the deal and ratify it.

If this deal gets done, which side would be the winner?

From the details of the proposal, I think both sides got a lot out of this deal and can claim victories. NFL Owners got the revenue split back into their favor. It looks like the owners will get 52% of the revenue, so they got what they wanted there. Also, they were able to put a limit of rookie wages and spending, which is another big win for them. The NFLPA got some really good points too. They rejected 18 games and won that, they received higher minimum salaries, they got reduced training camp and offseason practices, and they got the teams to spend more on the salary floor. It is a win-win for both parties, that will only increase the greater good of the game. The only thing left is for the players to ratify this damn thing.

Who are some of the heroes and villains through this whole debacle?

The villains of this were a lot of the lawyer and legal types. Jeffrey Kessler, outside counsel for the NFLPA, was rumored to be holding up a deal and trying to get the players to continue the fight in court. His name was referenced with pure venom the last few months. Bob Batterman, outside counsel for the NFL, was also referenced as a deal breaker in the last few months from the players' side. Other than that, the heroes of this deal, if it gets done, will be Goodell and Smith. It is said they constantly talked over the real tumultuous times in this negotiation. Remember, this was the first labor deal that both of these men spearheaded. I was very critical of them early on, but both men seemed to realize that they need each other, and both seemed to take control of the ship once it hit rocky waters.

So when does this lockout get put to bed?

Reports on Saturday said that major progress on the remaining issues was all but done, and the NFLPA Executive Committee will recommend the new CBA on Monday. Reports on Sunday made it sound like there was still some unresolved issues; however, most experts believe this deal gets ratified this week at some point by the players-either Monday or Tuesday. We have seen this lockout take many turns, so I won't rejoice until this thing is officially over.