Your NFL Strike Update--We're back and so is the stupidity (Rich vs. Rich Day 1,341)

Roger Goodell/File

Did you miss me? Don't pay any attention to the day on the headline, much like this idiotic lockout, it's somewhat irrelevant to pretty much anything.

When we last spoke, the two un-interested parties were beginning forced mediation in Minneapolis. Surprisingly, nothing has come of this mediation. Actually, we aren't surprised at all.

There have been a few, odd news and notes type of things going on...so we'll just cut to the chase.

**Note**--We are fully aware the NFL schedule will be released later today. We'll do a separate story on it.

Over the weekend, our pal--The Jolly Roger began what the NFL calls a "Series of Fan Conference Calls".  And surprisingly, he said very little. (Again--sarcasm, we aren't surprised at all)

You can read about Goodell's conversation with San Diego Chargers season ticket holders RIGHT HERE

Is it just me...or did that sound scripted.

Anyway. Another element to the public face of this "Dis-agreement" has been waged on Twitter. We follow several people associated with the aforementioned issue and yeah, there's been some rather interesting comments and some name calling and generally some stupid statements coming out.

Through the players, (NFLLockout.com), we came across an interesting blog post from the Houston Chronicle's fan blogger, who ended up in a bit of a Twitter war with NFL VP of PR, Greg Aiello. The reason: She responded to a post of his quoting his boss, which said "We need to get back to talking about ideas to resolve the differences". 

Ok. We can't disagree with that.

The blogger, Stephanie Stradley responded to the tweet..and that's where things got snarky. Her comment was: "Idea 1: Stop making ridiculous proposals". 


Again, maybe a bit snarky, but a legitimate comment.

Aiello's reply: "Advice: Stop making ridiculous comments". (Sigh!). Greg. You shouldn't be saying things like that in a public forum.

Read Stradley's blog, which is exceptionally well detailed RIGHT HERE

We have first hand experience dealing with the folks from the NFL and to be quite frank; they come off a bit like Mafioso's. We know they aren't, but you can't help but think Sorprano's when you meet and speak with them.

We again, reiterate a point we've made in each and every one of these stories: JUST SHUT UP! Please stop commenting....both sides. Do your business in private and when you can finally act like grown ups and agree on something, then speak.

Neither side has any idea how much people don't want to hear them whine in public. Sorry, we don't. The only ones with a right to complain are the old NFL Alumni, and they've become secondary in this.

Stop whining about money. Stop whining you are being taken advantage of. In the players case, there's an argument that can be made....not the owners. But when "Push comes to Shove" both sides are just being plain greedy. And because of that, we continue to mock and point out the stupidity of both of your arguments.

Here's your fitting video for today's theme:

Your NFL Strike Update--The Final Countdown? (Rich vs. Rich--Day 29)

DeMaurice Smith/Courtesy: File

And we continue. However, you'll only see one of these today...since I have to go to the paying job. But enough about me.

In today's episode, we follow the plight of the NFL Alumni. And apparently there are two groups of them. One, led by former Minnesota Viking Carl Eller, has attached themselves to the NFLPA (not a union) class-action lawsuit against the owners.

The other is led by former New York Giant George Martin. And Mr. Martin has been a little more receptive to overtures from the owners, though he and his NFL Alumni group hasn't backed them either.

On Tuesday, Martin and his group "Officially" responded to the April 4th letter they received from the owners. Among the several issues he brought up, the pension system for the "Older" retired players--not the recent guys, the guys previous to 1993. Also, he discussed improvements to the benefit and disability plan, something that's been a large issue in this debate.

Martin also added he'd be sending a similar request to DeMaurice Smith of the NFLPA (not a union).

You can read Martin's full letter RIGHT HERE

In other news, we came across a really interesting article that talks about multiple "Un-named" players looking for a getting "High-Risk" loans to keep themselves "Afloat" financially. It of course mentions that the NFLPA (not a union), had warned players to stockpile money in case a lockout happened. But, surprisingly, very few actually listened to them.

Read the YahooSports story RIGHT HERE

And finally, today is the day the NFL and its attorney's sit down and meet with Federal Mediator Arthur Boylan. The NFLPA (not a union) had their turn yesterday. The meetings are partially "Get-acquainted" meetings and also for the Judge/Mediator to get a feel for where each party is.

Our summary. We are fast approaching Ludicrous Speed here. Hopefully things will start moving in one direction of the other, but we're skeptical. The only thing they've been good at so far is acting like "Spoiled 3-year old brats". We don't expect that to dramatically change. We could see some concessions on the part of the league out of fear they could lose in Judge Susan Nelson's courtroom if they don't.

Either way, you aren't going to see you beloved NFL Football for awhile. Sure, the draft will be there and you'll get some form of stupid comments from both the NFLPA (not a union) and people with the League, but it will be similar to the rhetoric you've been hearing.

If they don't have anything decided in the next 2-3 weeks, there won't be anything decided until we get to Training Camp time...and that's in July.

Your NFL Strike Update: It ain't over yet! (Rich vs. Rich--Day 25)

Petitioners/Courtesy: thehypelounge.com

Despite the potential happy talk from your local TV station or Newspaper, in all its regal stupidity, this "Lockout" isn't going to be over today.

Yes, we are fully aware that today is the day the "Class-Action" suit filed by the group of 11 players and the now combined suit from various NFL Alumni against the owners goes to court. Well, the advance "Injunction" part of it anyway. To be specific, it goes to Federal Judge Susan Nelson's courtroom in Minneapolis, where you'll get to see and hear from every "So-called" NFL Insider/Expert on TV and Newspapers/Internet.

Read this nice primer by our friends at Pro Football Talk RIGHT HERE

The question everyone wants to know is, will the lockout end today? No. It won't. The best guess by most is the injunction will be "Stayed" and the case will move to appeal. What does that mean? It means no matter what Judge Nelson says, one side is going to appeal and that alone, will drag this out an undetermined amount of time. Oh, we may get some clarification as to what exactly the NFLPA (not a union) actually is now too.

Now, mind you, the injunction is just a way for either side to say this is how we are going to proceed while the lawsuit winds through the courts. It doesn't impact that lawsuit, one that could drag on for a couple of years.

But, in theory, it could force the owners to open their doors in a few days.

So--we haven't ranted because we are explaining, so let's get to the bottom line: Will these two sides ever resolve this dispute. Yes. When will the resolve it? God knows. To quote Steve Spurrier--"Hope-fully" they will agree to sit down and talk after this...or Judge Nelson will compel them to.

Either way, we've said from day 1, this is STUPID. We've got two allegedly "Aggrieved" parties who've spent the better part of the past month whining about each other. And because of that, they've decided, "We don't want to talk to you---go away". So they have.

If they'd only stop acting like 2nd graders and act like grown-ups they could easily resolve this. (No side picking today) But we don't think they will. There is nothing more bitter, more spiteful or more evil than rich...spoiled kids acting like, well....rich, spoiled children.

What could be more appropriate as a set-up video than this?