[worldofwarcraft]

To start a lot of games on Sunday as well as the Thursday night game players stepped onto the field and pointed skyward in a show of NFLPA solidarity. Saying they are all one voice.

What does everybody think about this move? Sounds like the fans in Houston rained down boos to the players whereas a good number of fans joined the players in the show at other venues. How about the threat of decertification and enacting anti-trust lawsuits?

[Xcqjwarl]

rich people complaining they're not getting enough money from even richer people. waaaahhhh.

[Pashtet]

rich people complaining they're not getting enough money from even richer people. waaaahhhh.

Actually, that's not even a part of the issue. Way to keep on top of things.

[Fruriourl]

Actually, that's not even a part of the issue. Way to keep on top of things.

if you say so.

i heard drew brees complaining yesterday about the teams not opening their books. i don't know why you would need someone to open up their books if money isn't your primary negotiating issue.

[Pvfcadbh]

I don't blame the players so far in this lockout at all. The owners can't agree on what they are after and Goodell hasn't put the owners concerns into words yet. Tough to come to the table and iron out a CBA if you don't even know where the starting point is.

[Usendyduexy]

Bah...the finger pointing is a pointless publicity stunt.

I only care about the football.

[Qnpqbpac]

They surely were not pointing at the retired players' numbers or giving any nod to them.

[Reocourgigiot]

if you say so.

i heard drew brees complaining yesterday about the teams not opening their books. i don't know why you would need someone to open up their books if money isn't your primary negotiating issue.

Because the owners are crying poor. If you want to cry poor, open your books and prove it - then the NFLPA will negotiate on the merits of that.

But if you want to cry poor, as an owner in a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, and you WON'T open your books... well, that sounds a little like a ploy.

[6M8PJigS]

Because the owners are crying poor. If you want to cry poor, open your books and prove it - then the NFLPA will negotiate on the merits of that.

But if you want to cry poor, as an owner in a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, and you WON'T open your books... well, that sounds a little like a ploy.

right, so the players don't want a to take a paycut.

so where was i wrong?

league minimum is what $300k? yeah, i could give two shits about their solidarity. save that shit for player rep and nflpa meetings.

[lopushok]

I'm against the players and owners honestly. i don't feel sorry for either one.

I think the fans should strike, show solidarity, and don't go to a friggin game. but that'll never happen.

[elapicearpisp]

To start a lot of games on Sunday as well as the Thursday night game players stepped onto the field and pointed skyward in a show of NFLPA solidarity. Saying they are all one voice.

What does everybody think about this move? Sounds like the fans in Houston rained down boos to the players whereas a good number of fans joined the players in the show at other venues. How about the threat of decertification and enacting anti-trust lawsuits?

rotary doesnt like that the players are bringing their labor issue to the football game. Leave it in the locker room and at the bargaining table.

But, the owners are the ones who have set this course. Not the players. And not ALL the owners are the brightest crayons in the box and are finding it 'difficult' to run their operations.

Their solution? Take it from the players who ARE the game.

But the NFL also has issues to deal with, too.

1) Lack of interest in even GOING to a game anymore. WATCHING the game at home is . . . AWESOME. 1080P Hi def for EVERY GAME, replay, reliable wireless communication for the fantasy geeks, and especially the COST of not going to a game. Save for a few stadiums, blackouts in local markets are rising at a very noticable clip. Hell, it wasnt until Thursday that the Jets sold out their home opener for Monday night.

2) Owners want an 18 game season for more revenue. This is in another thread but the number of severe injuries, after only ONE week of the NFL, is already lengthy. Expanded rosters will only be filler. WHICH they will need.

The players, if they decertify their union, will bring about an apocalypitic shift in the resolution of this. The players KNOW that even with NO football next year, the networks STILL have to pay the owners for rights fees. Locking out the players costs them nothing. Suing the owners, by the players, for Anti-Trust laws is about the only card the players can play to gain back some leverage.

Theres not alot of optimism that this gets settled during the season. Once the season's over, 1987's labor stoppage will look minor compared to this one.

[snunsebrugs]

Because the owners are crying poor. If you want to cry poor, open your books and prove it - then the NFLPA will negotiate on the merits of that.

But if you want to cry poor, as an owner in a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, and you WON'T open your books... well, that sounds a little like a ploy.

The Packers books are open. Single players made more money than the franchise. And this is a team believed to be in the top third or quarter, financially. So one player's salary can make or break a year. Businesses that dont make money dont stay in business.

[hitaEtela]

It will be interesting if players are willing to take the poison pill and decertify the NFLPA.

[Shemker394]

It will be interesting if players are willing to take the poison pill and decertify the NFLPA.

No way that will happen.

[smifatv]

The Packers books are open. Single players made more money than the franchise. And this is a team believed to be in the top third or quarter, financially. So one player's salary can make or break a year. Businesses that dont make money dont stay in business.

1/32 of the league. A small market team, at that.

I wonder what Jerrah's books would show.

[SueveDobe]

No way that will happen.

If that does happen and a nasty lock out and anti-trust lawsuits come into the fold, I bet a ton of top tier players will find refuge in the UFL for a season

[BoomBully]

1/32 of the league. A small market team, at that.

I wonder what Jerrah's books would show.

A small market team that's near the top in total revenue.

[antipenq]

1/32 of the league. A small market team, at that.

I wonder what Jerrah's books would show.

Its not baseball, either.

Packers are in the middle of the league, though. And, its a good baseline with which to extrapolate from. Not to mention every team gets an equal share of the TV $....

The Packers are the only professional sports team whose books are there for all to see. And from whats been read, theyre scrutinized very closely, indeed.

[machpamb]

A small market team that's near the top in total revenue.

Then in next year's annual report, they should be showing a whole lot better in their net profit numbers.

[scoussysows]

1/32 of the league. A small market team, at that.

I wonder what Jerrah's books would show.

Probably a loss.

He had a giant spaceship to pay for.