I think the two biggest issues are the rookie salaries (which are completely out-of-control), and the ability to get bonus money back from knuckleheads. I can certainly see the owners being united on those fronts. Historically, the NFL owners have done a much better job of recognizing the need for the health of the smaller-market teams than baseball has, although admittedly, it's a bit of an apples-and-oranges comparison. Since there are no local television contracts in the NFL, that income discrepancy isn't what it is in baseball. But in baseball, there is a long and sordid history of mistrust between the owners and players, and greed seems to trump common sense on both sides most of the time. In football, the relations between owners and players and within each faction has been largely amicable and more oriented toward what's best for all involved. This is largely why football was able to readily adopt revenue sharing, a salary cap, and drug testing, while baseball couldn't get any of those done without massive turmoil. Just my opinion, of course.
The old link was pointing to an article that said this might happen. Now that it is official, I'm guessing the powers that be decided to make it current. Yep. USA Today didn't update its story with the new news, so I found a newer link.
"The old link was pointing to an article that said this might happen. Now that it is official, I'm guessing the powers that be decided to make it current." I guess. But the link switch makes it look like I didn't bother to RTFA before making my first post.
I cant see how the owners would want to let the players get a taste of a no cap season. Every agent must be drooling like a madman at the thought of this. If there's no new CBA in place before 2010 you can be sure there will be a lockout in 2011. I just hope this doesnt turn the NFL into what the NHL was a few years ago.
Well, personally I would like to see the Niners get some money back from Alex Smith and a few other over-paid under-achievers. I'm also not too bummed about a potential strike season using replacements. Not only would it be another opportunity for a cheesy football movie, but the Niners might have a shot at a winning season.
Goodell's e-mail listed three reasons for the early termination: high labor costs, problems with the rookie pool and the league's inability, through the interpretation of the courts, to recoup bonuses of players who subsequently breach their contract or refuse to perform. I can agree with only one of the three things on the owners' list, the last one. Then again, that is partially their own fault for not putting a clause into player contracts to cover that problem. Also, the owners have no room to bitch and moan regarding "high labor costs" and what percent of league revenue the players get. These are the same owners that created the multi-million dollar bidding wars for the players, correct? I understand how profitable the NFL is, but if there is a lockout in 2011, or any season for that matter, I honestly hope the owners never turn a profit again. I would never watch the NFL again.
