We all knew it was coming and now players are being told it's all but a sure thing. The NFL players' union has told its members to prepare for a lockout which will start in March 2011. Players were told to save their last three game checks this year in case there is no season next year.
In a letter to the players that was seen by The Associated Press, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said the union had an "internal deadline" for agreeing to a new collective bargaining agreement. "That deadline has now passed," he wrote. "It is important that you protect yourself and your family."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello called the union's deadline "disappointing and inexplicable, especially for fans."
"We hope this does not mean the union has abandoned negotiating in favor of decertifying and litigating," he said. "We are ready to meet and negotiate anytime and anywhere. But it takes sustained effort and shared commitment to reach an agreement. One side can't do it alone."
The NFL has not missed games due to labor strife since 1987, when owners responded to a player strike by continuing the season with replacement players. But the prospect of a lost season in 2011 intensified when owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement in 2008.
Smith has said that he believes the owners opted out with the goal of locking the players out.
So prepare for no football next season. Right now I'm fine with that the way I feel after last nights Ravens/Steelers game but my feelings won't last long. I'll be even more depressed if I can't watch the Ravens disappoint me and crush my hopes and dreams of making the super bowl again next season. Plus I'm a football fan. I like to watch all the games and talk ish with my fellow NFL fans. Who wants to go without that?
So I guess we should all jump on the UFL? Maybe...
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