((ht: nflplayers))
Hey, let's start singing "We are the world!". Though we can't figure out why so many Sportswriters were dancing in the street after the NFL and NFLPA settled their labor issue yesterday, the making nice with everyone has begun.
The players association put out a video this morning saying "Thanks to the fans". Which yeah, it is a nice sentiment, but at the risk of sounding cynical...what did the fans miss? Mini-camp? O-T-A's? Really, that and the "Hall of Fame Game" are going to be the only actual football anyone missed.
Anyway, here's your video, continue your celebrating NFL Fan, revel in victory!
Showing posts with label NFL Owners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Owners. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Your NFL Lockout Update: Camp will still start next week (Rich vs. Rich)--Day 9444
 |
| Roger Goodell/DeMaurice Smith/File |
According to reports today, the league and the NFLPA (not a union for now), have ironed out most of their differences and according to Chris Mortensen and Professor John Clayton of the 4-letter word, the NFLPA executive committee will sign off on the deal Monday. It would allow the players to report to camp and actually vote in full on the deal come Wedneday
That would mean the league year could still start on Wednesday and training camps would start on Friday.
The intrepid Albert Breer of NFL.com doesn't quite go that far, but says it's more than likely going to happen.
Read the ESPN.com story RIGHT HERE
And Breer's story from NFL.com RIGHT HERE
Just so you know. None of this is surprising. We are very sure DeMaurice Smith and the players were not happy the owners publicly voted on and signed off on their version of the deal on Thursday. We think there was some disagreement on the timing and it sounds like some tweaking of verbiage.
Bottom line, the players felt dissed. Which we get. And by signing off on it and holding a press conference on it before the players got to look at things, boxed them in. It made the players look bad, like they were holding things up. It was a publicity stunt.
Considering how childish both of these sides of been, it's not surprising things are dragging out. But like we said, "Patience grasshopper", neither side wants to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
Professor John Clayton of ESPN discusses it here:
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Your NFL Lockout Update: Really, they are going to finish (Rich vs. Rich)--Day 9,107
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| NFL Owners Mtg in Atlanta |
It should be over. As we said on Monday, it isn't an "if" just a "when". And that when should be today (Thursday). Though it isn't a guarantee.
Said NFLPA (not a union) president Kevin Mawae on Wednesday, "We want to go back to work, but we will not agree to a deal unless it's the best deal for the players." He also said they weren't tied to having the deal done by Thursday.
The Thursday timeline is a somewhat media created time we believe because there is an owners meeting in Atlanta that fit the timeline. It also is pretty much a "Drop Dead" time for things to get started without a significant delay in exhibition games and/or training camps.
NFL Executive VP Jeff Pash says the league is prepared to do their part and the plan is for both sides to hold their votes on Thursday.
We also know that several friends of the OSG have been put on notice to be prepared for work. We have several friends who do a variety of jobs associated with both covering and working for NFL teams.
You can also read a "Where things are" story from NFL.com RIGHT HERE
So there you have it. Yes, we know we said Monday this would be done on Thursday, and we stick by that.
Pretty much every Sports Journalist with a travel budget is in Atlanta right now because that will be where the "Let's Play" announcement will finally, ultimately come from. So stay tuned, keep an ear on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. ((sorry, went Kasey Kasem for a second))
Really that's all we've got. The NFL Hall of Fame game will kick off the exhibition season on August 7th, we still think that game will be played. And then your NFL season will be upon you and there will be much rejoicing by the masses.
Interpret this as you will:
Friday, July 8, 2011
BREAKING: Court says NFL Lockout is legal
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has issued at least part of a ruling in regards the ongoing battle between the NFL and the NFLPA (not a union).
The short version is this: The 3 judges voted 2-1 to say the lockout was legal. While not totally unexpected, the timing was a bit of a surprise.
No, we don't know what, if anything this actually means, particularly in light of the ongoing negotiations for a settlement, which seem to be fairly close.
We'll try and let you know more about this along with some perspective as the day progresses and we digest the rather lengthy bit of legal-ese foisted upon us.
The short version is this: The 3 judges voted 2-1 to say the lockout was legal. While not totally unexpected, the timing was a bit of a surprise.
No, we don't know what, if anything this actually means, particularly in light of the ongoing negotiations for a settlement, which seem to be fairly close.
We'll try and let you know more about this along with some perspective as the day progresses and we digest the rather lengthy bit of legal-ese foisted upon us.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
BREAKING: NFL gets their expedited request for a hearing
((ht: albert breer/nfl.com))
And no, we aren't 100 percent sure what that means. The one thing we are pretty sure of is that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis has granted the NFL what they call a "Quick" hearing...on June 3rd.
This per NFL.com reporting guru Albert Breer who tweeted the information just minutes ago.
What we think this means is the lockout will be in place for at least another 30-days until the case is heard. Though Breer has tweeted that no decision about the temporary stay the NFL requested has been made...so, standby caller.
Here is Breer's story for NFL.com RIGHT HERE
For the scant few of you unsure of what we speak, the case in question was the NFLPA (not a union--well, actually some of their players) lawsuit against the NFL for unfair labor practices among other things. There was a hearing held in that suit to force the league to open the doors while the suit proceeds through the legal process. A Federal Judge in Minnesota agreed two weeks ago, telling the league they have no case, open up for business. The league appealed and got a temporary stay while the appeals court considered it.
They considered it...we're on hold and we be most of you--like us are sick and tired about speaking in legalese in regards to football.
More as the story develops.
And no, we aren't 100 percent sure what that means. The one thing we are pretty sure of is that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis has granted the NFL what they call a "Quick" hearing...on June 3rd.
This per NFL.com reporting guru Albert Breer who tweeted the information just minutes ago.
What we think this means is the lockout will be in place for at least another 30-days until the case is heard. Though Breer has tweeted that no decision about the temporary stay the NFL requested has been made...so, standby caller.
Here is Breer's story for NFL.com RIGHT HERE
For the scant few of you unsure of what we speak, the case in question was the NFLPA (not a union--well, actually some of their players) lawsuit against the NFL for unfair labor practices among other things. There was a hearing held in that suit to force the league to open the doors while the suit proceeds through the legal process. A Federal Judge in Minnesota agreed two weeks ago, telling the league they have no case, open up for business. The league appealed and got a temporary stay while the appeals court considered it.
They considered it...we're on hold and we be most of you--like us are sick and tired about speaking in legalese in regards to football.
More as the story develops.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Your Last NFL Strike Update--More wrangling (Rich vs. Rich--Day 2112)
We've decided that barring some sort of stupid maneuver taking place in the next couple weeks, this will be the last of your daily updates.
When we last left our hero's, the NFLPA (not a union) won the battle of the courts, but like everyone else--they were struggling to determine what it all meant. As for the other guys (the NFL), they too had little idea what to do, probably because they appeared to never conceive of the thought they might lose.
What we ended up with was a smattering of players showing up for work Tuesday morning. For the most part they walked around the building, said hello, and then left.
Take a look at what happened in Cleveland. Thanks WEWS:
As for the rest of our story, it was left--again, up to the lawyers to try and make some sense. NFL Lawyer Jeff Pash told the huddled masses that the appeal have been filed and he expected things to be heard...quickly.
You can read Pash's dissertation RIGHT HERE
For what it is worth. Judge Susan Nelson has gone on record as saying she won't rule on the request for a stay made by the NFL until the end of the day (Wed.). She wants to hear from the players 1st, and should late Wednesday morning.
If she upholds her decision or the appeals court upholds it, the NFL will have to start business, something they "Should be" prepared to do. They aren't acting like it.
A great summary of where we are and why the Owners are being incredibly stupid and arrogant from the Washington Post and Sally Jenkins. You can read it RIGHT HERE
The NFLPA (not a union) has told players, particularly free agents, to start shopping their services...that its game on. Which we believe it has already been.
What does this really mean? Not much. It's mostly posturing at this point. You'll get your football in 2011. You'll have the honor of paying $95 for upper level seats in the end zone of your favorite stadium. You'll get the chance to pay $10 for your beer and $8 for your hot dogs. You'll get to act the fool and get drunk and curse in the family section because you are too stupid to know any better.
Bottom line. You'll get to see your beloved NFL. For me, while I enjoy the games--particularly if they involve my favorite team, I'll stick to watching on TV. It's much less expensive and I can support the team without giving the owners, who don't really need it, $200 of my hard earned money.
To sum things up:
 |
| NFLPA Head DeMaurice Smith/Courtesy: File |
When we last left our hero's, the NFLPA (not a union) won the battle of the courts, but like everyone else--they were struggling to determine what it all meant. As for the other guys (the NFL), they too had little idea what to do, probably because they appeared to never conceive of the thought they might lose.
What we ended up with was a smattering of players showing up for work Tuesday morning. For the most part they walked around the building, said hello, and then left.
Take a look at what happened in Cleveland. Thanks WEWS:
As for the rest of our story, it was left--again, up to the lawyers to try and make some sense. NFL Lawyer Jeff Pash told the huddled masses that the appeal have been filed and he expected things to be heard...quickly.
You can read Pash's dissertation RIGHT HERE
For what it is worth. Judge Susan Nelson has gone on record as saying she won't rule on the request for a stay made by the NFL until the end of the day (Wed.). She wants to hear from the players 1st, and should late Wednesday morning.
If she upholds her decision or the appeals court upholds it, the NFL will have to start business, something they "Should be" prepared to do. They aren't acting like it.
A great summary of where we are and why the Owners are being incredibly stupid and arrogant from the Washington Post and Sally Jenkins. You can read it RIGHT HERE
The NFLPA (not a union) has told players, particularly free agents, to start shopping their services...that its game on. Which we believe it has already been.
What does this really mean? Not much. It's mostly posturing at this point. You'll get your football in 2011. You'll have the honor of paying $95 for upper level seats in the end zone of your favorite stadium. You'll get the chance to pay $10 for your beer and $8 for your hot dogs. You'll get to act the fool and get drunk and curse in the family section because you are too stupid to know any better.
Bottom line. You'll get to see your beloved NFL. For me, while I enjoy the games--particularly if they involve my favorite team, I'll stick to watching on TV. It's much less expensive and I can support the team without giving the owners, who don't really need it, $200 of my hard earned money.
To sum things up:
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))
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))
Your NFL Strike Update: To end or not to end...(Rich vs. Rich--Day 1700)
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| Goodell and owners/Courtesy: File |
In today's episode, there's been a bit of posturing and at least all the reporters are on the edge of their collective seats anticipating a ruling from U.S Federal Court Judge Susan Nelson on the NFLPA (not a union) motion to end the silly lockout.
While we can see the possibility of Judge Nelson making her ruling today,we don't throw a lot of weight behind it. Whatever she decides, it will immediately be appealed. And when we say immediately, we mean it could be shortly after the decision comes out of her mouth.
In the meantime, we are in the midst of draft week...and quite honestly, it can't get over with soon enough. We've been subjected to an inordinate amount of speculation and nit-picking about a bunch of 22-year old kids. Unlike most football fans, we HATE the draft, because it may be the single most over-thought event in the history of Sport.
We'll spare you our draft rant...for now and move on to our pal...the Jolly Roger. He spoke over the weekend to USA Today Football Writer Jarrett Bell.
In the interview, Bell asked Mr. Commish about quite a few "Lockout" related issues. As expected, Goodell was somewhat vague about how things are going, though he indirectly references something that is being floated, we think by the league, that the players are trying to get rid of the Draft. We doubt the truth-iness of that claim, but we'll refrain from commenting.
Read the entire interview in USA Today RIGHT HERE
 |
| George Martin/Courtesy: NYDailynews.com |
Read the George Martin story from the New York Times RIGHT HERE
I'm not sure what to say here. The NFLPA (not a union) does and has bother me....a lot. While we respect their right to protect their members and get a better deal for them, we question the method. Mind you, the owners aren't exempt from this criticism, they've been incredibly arrogant and obstinate through this whole process.
But why would you exclude the people who mean the most from the debate. Yeah, we know Carl Eller and a group of Alums have claimed a place in the class action against the league, but that is a bit different.
The other issue is this. We still don't understand and may never understand player claims of poverty. Sorry, not buying it. I can't speak for everyone here, but even if I were in the league, making the minimum, I'd be able to find the money to buy insurance if I had to. Even if I were making the minimum, I would have invested a good chunk of that money for my future. Even if I were making the minimum, I'd be happy at the thought of more but let me just say this...."If I were making the league minimum, it would be about $350,000 a year more than I currently make now. Just sayin'........
Friday, April 22, 2011
Your NFL Strike Update: Monday, monday (Rich vs. Rich--Day 1,575)
Hooray! Or not. Will Judge Susan Nelson issue a ruling on Monday? Maybe. Of course it could rain too. Or be sunny outside. Or we could have an earthquake. Or a Volcano could erupt. Or somebody could do something stupid.
Or, we could stop rambling about it.
Here's a breakdown (for what its worth) of the latest from our friends at FOXSports:
Yawn! So nothing really is going to change anytime soon. But...if you've been reading this on a regular basis...you already knew that.
So, we're going to finish here. We're going to stop rambling. We aren't going to subject you to a weekend of stupid, non-sensical stories about a...stupid, non-sensical labor issue.
With that in mind...we give you a parody...because we mock the Lockout/Strike/NFLPA (Not a union!) and the NFL....enjoy a mocking of the worst song in the history of songs...Friday....the Chad Vader version:
Or, we could stop rambling about it.
Here's a breakdown (for what its worth) of the latest from our friends at FOXSports:
Yawn! So nothing really is going to change anytime soon. But...if you've been reading this on a regular basis...you already knew that.
So, we're going to finish here. We're going to stop rambling. We aren't going to subject you to a weekend of stupid, non-sensical stories about a...stupid, non-sensical labor issue.
With that in mind...we give you a parody...because we mock the Lockout/Strike/NFLPA (Not a union!) and the NFL....enjoy a mocking of the worst song in the history of songs...Friday....the Chad Vader version:
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Your NFL Strike Update: In the year 2525 (Rich vs. Rich--Day 1,492)
In today's episode, the conspiracy theories abound. The "Mediation" has been put on hiatus, the next time the NFL and the NFLPA (not a union) meet, it will be late Spring....or roughly May 16th, 26 days from now. According to the NFL, this was a request by Federal Court Judge Susan Nelson.
We fully expect Judge Nelson to make a ruling on the "Class Action" suit before then, and the league will appeal after they lose, something most observers believe will happen. And it essentially means by the end of May, we will be exactly where we are today.
The folks at NFL.com break things down RIGHT HERE
The NFL side believes things have gone well and seem to hint that there's agreement on some things, possibly leading to a settlement.
But...as fast as Lee Corso can say "Not so fast my friend"...things are getting a bit weird with the NFLPA. As Brother Jon reported yesterday, word leaked out that allegedly a group of players were splintering with the group formerly known as a union and want their own representation.
However, the NFLPA says this is another attempt by the NFL to splinter them. They point to the attorney mentioned in the Sports Business Journal story yesterday, saying the attorney was employed by the league.
You can read the rebuttal RIGHT HERE
Honestly, we grow weary of this constant above and behind the scene alleged maneuvering. And we suspect most rational fans are too. We just want this to get over with and get over with sooner rather than later. We are tired of the constant acting like 8-year old's and attempts at getting us to relate to something we can't relate to.
Just shut up. Please shut up. To both sides, we beg...no plead that you just go about your business and move on. You are all talking about monies we can never relate to. But we've said that before. Just realize that we may or may not decide to allow you to build your lavish, over the top, palaces that we can't afford to go to. And if you don't know what it is I'm saying, you might want to think about it a bit.
Think about prophecy here guys...prophecy I tell 'ya:
We fully expect Judge Nelson to make a ruling on the "Class Action" suit before then, and the league will appeal after they lose, something most observers believe will happen. And it essentially means by the end of May, we will be exactly where we are today.
The folks at NFL.com break things down RIGHT HERE
The NFL side believes things have gone well and seem to hint that there's agreement on some things, possibly leading to a settlement.
But...as fast as Lee Corso can say "Not so fast my friend"...things are getting a bit weird with the NFLPA. As Brother Jon reported yesterday, word leaked out that allegedly a group of players were splintering with the group formerly known as a union and want their own representation.
However, the NFLPA says this is another attempt by the NFL to splinter them. They point to the attorney mentioned in the Sports Business Journal story yesterday, saying the attorney was employed by the league.
You can read the rebuttal RIGHT HERE
Honestly, we grow weary of this constant above and behind the scene alleged maneuvering. And we suspect most rational fans are too. We just want this to get over with and get over with sooner rather than later. We are tired of the constant acting like 8-year old's and attempts at getting us to relate to something we can't relate to.
Just shut up. Please shut up. To both sides, we beg...no plead that you just go about your business and move on. You are all talking about monies we can never relate to. But we've said that before. Just realize that we may or may not decide to allow you to build your lavish, over the top, palaces that we can't afford to go to. And if you don't know what it is I'm saying, you might want to think about it a bit.
Think about prophecy here guys...prophecy I tell 'ya:
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