NFL Lockout

What happens if there is no 2011 NFL season? Depending on whether you’re an owner, player, or fan this will affect everyone different. I know that I am ready to get the season underway. Many of you are aware of the lockout, but some of you may not know all the factors that are being discussed. I went through numerous sites and have put together the timeline and purpose of the 2011 lockout.

It all started on March 8, 2006. The National Football League Players Association also known as the NFLPA proposed an extension to the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This extension was granted for six years. A collective bargaining agreement is a contract between owners and players that covers working conditions. When this contract expires if a new agreement cannot be negotiated then everything stops. If the owners initiate the work stoppage than a lockout is enforced. There was a stipulation added to the 2006 CBA that allowed owners to get out of the contract early. Making the agreement effective until 2010. In May of 2008 the owners exercised their right and opted out of the agreement. They said that revenue was changing and that players were getting the largest portion of the leagues revenue. 2010 marked the start of the final season under the CBA. The NFL began the season without a salary cap and with restrictions on player movement within the league.

March 12, 2011 the lockout officially began. The players filed a lawsuit for the lockout to be lifted. Brady v. NFL was held in front of Judge Nelson. Judge Nelson ordered mandatory mediation on April 1. She sided with the players and lifted the lockout on April 25th. By April 29th the lockout was reinstated. This granted the owners a temporary stay.

At this point the players and owners are meeting to try to work out a new collective bargaining agreement. They are working on the details at this point. They need to address rookie salaries. They also need to adjust the revenue share that is given to players. This will most likely result in a decrease in pay for players because of the economy. They also need to work out the projected 18 game season rather than the standard 16 games. The most important thing is player’s safety. Lets face it we would not have the NFL without players. I don’t think there is a need for 18 games. Sixteen games works and allows players to still preform in the playoffs. By adding two more games not only are they putting the players at bigger risk, but they are jeopardizing the effort that goes into playoffs. Two more games will only make the game wear on the players. Why mess with something that works? As far as revenue is concerned the economy is affecting everyone. The NFL is no different. The owners are seeing a decrease in revenue. This includes a decrease in ticket sales and products. They need to take some money and invest in stadiums. The players need to be willing to adjust their share of the revenue based on the economic downturn. I have read that potentially the players could receive 48 percent of the revenue. That would be a decrease, but that’s still a large percentage of the revenue. Rookie salaries need to be based on the overall percentage the players get. I think every player adds value. How they add value is important. Retired players also play a role. They are fighting for a better pension and health benefits.

Recently players and owners have addressed the media. They are all optimistic about the season. The players and owners are negotiating. They realize that if this season is going to happen they need to come to an agreement soon. The urgency is there. I am hopeful that the agreement will come in time for a full season.