NFLPA applies for decertification.

[Buckybird]

Agreed, and I know where you are going with this.

There is a lot I can do with 16 Sunday afternoons and $300+.

It will soon be $500 Rugby...if it gets past that I'm out!!!

 

[Mitch]

Agreed, and I know where you are going with this.

There is a lot I can do with 16 Sunday afternoons and $300+.

And this is JUST the point, Rugby...beautifully stated on your part.

We're the ones paying making all these owners and players rich, because we pay for it.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Agreed, and I know where you are going with this.

There is a lot I can do with 16 Sunday afternoons and $300+.[/QUOTE]

Ok... don't doubt it... but, give us a list.

P.S. And how quickly will you drop all of these new ways of spending your Sundays once the game is back?

 

[RugbyMuffin]

In a battle between Billionaires and Millionaires, I stand with the little guy.

As a former Pro hockey player who worked pre and post union, I couldn't care less what fans may or may not think. They sure as Hell didn't care when I needed a summer job to make ends meet, and they are not losing any sleep over my knee, shoulder and back problems.

Very true. I wouldn't expect anyone to care about your summer job and injuries. Just like deep down, we really should know players care less about fans opinions.

Cause the same goes for non-atheletes. No one really cares that someone has to work 2 or 3 jobs to make a living. Or if someone like myself, is messed up from playing rugby for 10+ years.

Business is business.

If you or any other player can care less about the fan that is your right, as well. But, the fans money pays for said arena, salary, and pushes advertising money. Not that in reality, any of that matters to the fact whether the player "care" about the fans. The money will come in even if all the players care less about the fans. If the game is on, they will come.

Thus if the game is not on, the basic reason why fans come and pay money is gone. Cause as you said, the players really don't care about the fans, the owners don't really care about the fans, and deep down we all know that.

Just play the game and entertain the masses, and they will pay willingly. No games and the bottom line agreement between fans and players is broken.

Just statin' not hatin'. And a good post for this topic. Some reality for the fans about what the situation, in all reality is.


Cool as hell that you got to play in NHL hockey though! I think you stated that once before, and I was all excited to hear it, but it is still just as cool the second time hearing it.

 

[Longcolts]

IMO this is exactly what Smith wanted to happen. He has political aspirations, and this is the perfect platform for him. Smith is a litigator not a negotiator.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Very true. I wouldn't expect anyone to care about your summer job and injuries. Just like deep down, we really should know players care less about fans opinions.

Cause the same goes for non-atheletes. No one really cares that someone has to work 2 or 3 jobs to make a living. Or if someone like myself, is messed up from playing rugby for 10+ years.

Business is business.

If you or any other player can care less about the fan that is your right, as well. But, the fans money pays for said arena, salary, and pushes advertising money. Not that in reality, any of that matters to the fact whether the player "care" about the fans. The money will come in even if all the players care less about the fans. If the game is on, they will come.

Thus if the game is not on, the basic reason why fans come and pay money is gone. Cause as you said, the players really don't care about the fans, the owners don't really care about the fans, and deep down we all know that.

Just play the game and entertain the masses, and they will pay willingly. No games and the bottom line agreement between fans and players is broken.

Just statin' not hatin'. And a good post for this topic. Some reality for the fans about what the situation, in all reality is.


Cool as hell that you got to play in NHL hockey though! I think you stated that once before, and I was all excited to hear it, but it is still just as cool the second time hearing it.

At the end of day, players, owners, etc., etc., will show up at the mike and fake sincerity, and the fans will buy it. Up here, I heard people say they wouldn't support hockey after the last strike.... Today, revenues for the league have increased by 1-billion. As they say... "talk is cheap!"

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Agreed, and I know where you are going with this.

There is a lot I can do with 16 Sunday afternoons and $300+.

Ok... don't doubt it... but, give us a list.

P.S. And how quickly will you drop all of these new ways of spending your Sundays once the game is back?

Wow! You are worse than my wife j/k

Weeks 1 thru 10 - Coach rugby on Saturdays and do my chores on Sundays.

1. Finish building my fence
2. Go to see my parents
3. Read a book
4. Go to a museum with my wife
5. Watch rugby on TV instead
6. Once October rolls around, watch Hockey instead
7. Visit rugby pal <-- long overdue
8. Go Bowling
9. Fix up the laundry room. (that is at least 3 weekends, place is a flippin' mess)
10. Start playing the guitar again.
11. Volunteer more of my time to the local football team - scouting aka hold a camera and tape the game.
12. Rake the leaves

As for cutting spending ? I doubt all that adds up to $300. Once you break the routine of watching football it will be easy not to go back.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

At the end of day, players, owners, etc., etc., will show up at the mike and fake sincerity, and the fans will buy it. Up here, I heard people say they wouldn't support hockey after the last strike.... Today, revenues for the league have increased by 1-billion. As they say... "talk is cheap!"

Great points and I agree.

I started watching hockey AFTER the strike. As you say, I know the whole, "bring back the fans" stuff is mostly for show.

But, hey I paid money to go see them so if they wanna talk to me and blow smoke up my patoot, I am all for the fantasy.

But, I will say this. This is only strike two against the NFL with me (just stating this for the sake of conversation, cause who really cares if I watch the NFL or not).

As I said, if the game is on, we will come. If September comes around, and we have games on the schedule, I'll have a post up about "Cardinals 2011 Preview" and a roster breakdown in my signature before the day is over.

While this is madness, IMO, for both sides, the true agreement between the fans and the NFL has not been broken...yet.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Great points and I agree.

I started watching hockey AFTER the strike. As you say, I know the whole, "bring back the fans" stuff is mostly for show.

But, hey I paid money to go see them so if they wanna talk to me and blow smoke up my patoot, I am all for the fantasy.

But, I will say this. This is only strike two against the NFL with me (just stating this for the sake of conversation, cause who really cares if I watch the NFL or not).

As I said, if the game is on, we will come. If September comes around, and we have games on the schedule, I'll have a post up about "Cardinals 2011 Preview" and a roster breakdown in my signature before the day is over.

While this is madness, IMO, for both sides, the true agreement between the fans and the NFL has not been broken...yet.[/QUOTE]

And it can only be broken, I suggest, if there are no games come September.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

And it can only be broken, I suggest, if there are no games come September.

I guess that is what I am getting at. We will see, it will be interesting.


Eh, there are other things to look at besides football.

You must be registered for see images

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Wow! You are worse than my wife j/k

Weeks 1 thru 10 - Coach rugby on Saturdays and do my chores on Sundays.

1. Finish building my fence
2. Go to see my parents
3. Read a book
4. Go to a museum with my wife
5. Watch rugby on TV instead
6. Once October rolls around, watch Hockey instead
7. Visit rugby pal <-- long overdue
8. Go Bowling
9. Fix up the laundry room. (that is at least 3 weekends, place is a flippin' mess)
10. Start playing the guitar again.
11. Volunteer more of my time to the local football team - scouting aka hold a camera and tape the game.
12. Rake the leaves

As for cutting spending ? I doubt all that adds up to $300. Once you break the routine of watching football it will be easy not to go back.

Good list... and best of luck with it, particularly the museum visits with the lovely lady...

I'll just keep watching the CFL which, no doubt, will be coming to an NFL Network near you.

 

[Buckybird]

I'll just keep watching the CFL which, no doubt, will be coming to an NFL Network near you.

Thats my plan too CC. Luv the game & wish the NFL would go to the bigger field.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Thats my plan too CC. Luv the game & wish the NFL would go to the bigger field.

Four downs on that field... 56 to 49 every weekend...

 

[Buckybird]

Four downs on that field... 56 to 49 every weekend...

sounds like the Cards 2008-2009 seasons to me

I bet Max Hall couldnt throw a deep out on that field.

 

[Matt L]

College Football is still pretty exciting an now I won't have to nurse a hangover on Monday at work.

 

[RonF]

Four downs on that field... 56 to 49 every weekend...

How about the Rouge! My god, don't forget the excitement of a Rouge.

 

[Krangodnzr]

And yet our President will try to end competition if he has his way.

Don't make this a political discussion. I don't come here to read what any wingnut thinks.

 

[Paso Fino]

The idea that the union can decertify and then sue under the anti-trust laws stinks. Is there any doubt but that the union leaders will still be calling the shots going forward? What kind of collective bargaining can there be when the union can at anytime pull the decertification trigger and put a gun to the owner's head.

I guess the views of this situation depend somewhat on where you are coming from. I have a relatively small business and the idea that employees can demand to see the business financials and sue me if they can't see them is offensive to say the least.

 

[40yearfan]

I just received this in my email:



Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.



Yours,
Roger Goodell

 

[desertdawg]

I just received this in my email:



Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.



Yours,
Roger Goodell

What did Goodell say his salary would be if the NFL went lock out? The Owners and the Players Union squandered all of the chances to get this done, both sides IMO.

Now instead of our previously scheduled program, we get to hear them blame eachother over and over. So now Goodell is putting the Union on blast... didn't see that one coming.

Both sides have good points but we the fans pay for both sides. This nonsense will be aired more than than any other lockout from any sport because today's media is so incredibly relentless. Sad part is I am already sick of it,so now I probably won't watch my favorite sport shows too.

Screw'em!! Let them wallow in their own stupidity, I can live with out football next year, and I might be just be able to plain live without football if they get really stupid.

I can shave a couple strokes off the fribee golf game with the extra time, take up some new hobbies, maybe even start training. Training for what ? I don't know, maybe a Guiness World Record at something really cheesy.

 

[Buckybird]

I just received this in my email:



Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.



Yours,
Roger Goodell

I got it also...here's the actual proposal:

http://nfllabor.com/2011/03/11/exclusive-summary-of-nfl-proposal-to-nflpa/

 

[40yearfan]

I got it also...here's the actual proposal:

http://nfllabor.com/2011/03/11/exclusive-summary-of-nfl-proposal-to-nflpa/

Hard to believe the players union felt that they were at an impasse with those consessions. Looks to me like management addressed almost every issue the players asked for. It will be interesting to see the players official position.

 

[Buckybird]

Hard to believe the players union felt that they were at an impasse with those consessions. Looks to me like management addressed almost every issue the players asked for. It will be interesting to see the players official position.

And Demaurice Smith called the owners liars afterwards on the NFL Network. All I know is someone is lying to the fans & they don't give a rats turd about us IMO. I'm tired of hearing from both sides "we want to play for our fans". Yeah right...each wants to increase the size of their pocketbooks.

 

[40yearfan]

And Demaurice Smith called the owners liars afterwards on the NFL Network. All I know is someone is lying to the fans & they don't give a rats turd about us IMO. I'm tired of hearing from both sides "we want to play for our fans". Yeah right...each wants to increase the size of their pocketbooks.

Did Smith say what the actual proposal was?

 

[Stout]

The idea that the union can decertify and then sue under the anti-trust laws stinks. Is there any doubt but that the union leaders will still be calling the shots going forward? What kind of collective bargaining can there be when the union can at anytime pull the decertification trigger and put a gun to the owner's head.

I guess the views of this situation depend somewhat on where you are coming from. I have a relatively small business and the idea that employees can demand to see the business financials and sue me if they can't see them is offensive to say the least.

Exactly, especially since I learned today on the NFL network that they decertified once a while back, then scrambled that union right back together after the negotiation was done. The decertification is a complete and utter farce, a bad-faith move where the union clearly has no intention of staying decertified. As soon as they get what they want, they'll recertify and become a union again.

The judges forced the NFL to negotiate by barring that 4 billion dollar thing. The judge now needs to look at the players and tell them that the decertification is being done in bad faith and let them know--if you're sure about decertifying, then you are NOT allowed to unionize again. The players will BEGGING to get that compromise deal quicker than Usain Bolt.