What'$ the Plan?

[dirtycallahan]

From the National Football Post

Although we have not yet reached the June 3rd appeal hearing, I am hearing questions of “What do we do next?” starting to ripple through the NFL player populace. Last week the Eighth Circuit (the Court) ruled to keep the lockout intact through the appeal process and – barring a surprise decision on appeal – showed their hand on the next ruling. Assuming the ruling on appeal tracks the ruling for the stay -- which is more likely than not -- the lockout will continue indefinitely.

Since the ruling a week ago tonight, I have heard from more agents and players in a week than I have for a while. They are reaching out to survey what is ahead. I ask about answers from NFLPA leadership. Some say they don’t know whom to ask, some say their player representatives (reps) are not sure, as they have no relationship with the lawyers who are representing them in Brady v. NFL.

"I have spent time with Smith and find him to be likeable and passionate about representing the players. We both grew up in Washington, D.C. as fans of the Commanders and I admire his passion."

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Whats-the-Plan.html

 

[AdamJT13]

There's not much in there that's encouraging.

 

[CooterBrown]

There's not much in there that's encouraging.

No, but I think it is one of the best "how did we get here? and where do we go from here?" articles I've read.

 

[jobberone]

There is nothing encouraging about the litigation as it will continue into the season almost certainly.

The hope lies in the fact that the players (for the most of them) cannot afford a prolonged lockout. That moves them towards negotiation.

The owners will also likely be moved towards negotiation if the court(s) deny them use of the TV money. That will hurt badly.

Hopefully, they both will also realize losing games hurts both parties as the league will lose revenue and a lot.

There are also altruistic reasons for both sides to negotiate. I don't hold out much hope for that to make much of a dent in either side.

 

[Stash]

I liked the last two points.

If the players lose this latest round (which is what everyone expects), admit you lost. Admit that the courts aren't going to fight your battles for you. And get back to the table.

For the owners, if you win this latest round (as expected), negotiate a fair and honest deal in both parties' best interests and do not try to bring the players to their knees by throwing a lowball offer out there.

 

[AdamJT13]

The owners will also likely be moved towards negotiation if the court(s) deny them use of the TV money. That will hurt badly.

According to Jeff Pash, the NFL "(wasn't) planning to make use of any of that money in 2001."

If that's true, it won't hurt the owners at all -- at least in 2011.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

There is nothing encouraging about the litigation as it will continue into the season almost certainly.

The hope lies in the fact that the players (for the most of them) cannot afford a prolonged lockout. That moves them towards negotiation.

The owners will also likely be moved towards negotiation if the court(s) deny them use of the TV money. That will hurt badly.

Hopefully, they both will also realize losing games hurts both parties as the league will lose revenue and a lot.

There are also altruistic reasons for both sides to negotiate. I don't hold out much hope for that to make much of a dent in either side.

It was my understanding that the court already denied the NFL the TV money because it was an illegal deal, no?