Monday, April 25, 2011

BREAKING: Judge to NFL and NFLPA: Lockout lifted

Your wishes are granted, it appears the NFL Lockout may be ending in the very foreseeable future. Reports are beginning to trickle in:

Per ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen on Twitter: "Federal Judge Susan Richard Nelson has ruled for players, lifting lockout, per sources. Owners will seek immediate stay."

**Updated 6:04pm**--Mort's story from ESPN.com RIGHT HERE


Per NFL Network reporter Albert Breer on Twitter: "Judge Nelson has ruled: Injunction to lift NFL Lockout granted, NO stay. Owners now certain to seek stay from 8th circuit."

**Updated 6:06pm**--The NFL.com story RIGHT HERE


Please keep in mind. Today, this is just a symbolic move that starts multiple wheels in motion. The NFL is appealing. But they will be unable to do that until Tuesday morning, when they are expected to appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Not much will happen until that maneuver is acted upon.

**Uptdated at 6:26pm**--ProFootballTalk explains the ruling RIGHT HERE


And yes, it reinforces what we said earlier. Nothing will happen until Tuesday when the NFL goes to Judge Nelson and ask for a stay. If she doesn't grant it, which is expected, the NFL will then go to the U.S Court of Appeals. If they decide to issue a stay while they examine the case, nothing will change. If they don't, doors will open, probably within the next week.

**Updated at 6:30pm**--Darren Rovell of CNBC, gives us the NFL's statement about today's goings on. The league's statement: "We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident the 8th Circuit will agree. But we also belive that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations towards that goal."

**Update at 7:40pm**--For those so inclined, here is a link to all 89 pages of Judge Nelson's ruling. Read at your own peril RIGHT HERE


This is still a story that is developing. Please check back and it will be updated frequently.

Here's early discussion between Jay Harris and Andrew Brandt
((HT: ESPN))


Rick Horrow give his .02 for Fox Sports
((HT: FoxSports))

2 comments:

Atlanta Roofing said...

If the NFL does get their stay, then the lockout will remain in place while the appeals process is going on. That process could take several weeks to several months so this is an important part of the immediate future of football.

Unknown said...

You are correct. The ruling is news and implications are news, but it may mean nothing...for awhile. Going to have to wait and see