What is going on with the NFL?

Let’s face it the situation going on with the NFL doesn’t look good for the upcoming season. A judge recently granted a stay for the lockout, which means no business will be getting done on the league front. That means no rookie signings, no free agency and no contract talks, how discouraging for all that are fans of the game. It is sad, around this time we are all saying how we miss football and how we can’t wait for the season to begin and now we really have no idea. How difficult will it be to get contracts adjusted, free agents signed, etc… with such a short off season that is if business actually does resume? The NFL says that they do not have a set date for when the cancellation of games but the fact is they really will not start real mediation until the courts decision in June. Right now there are talks here and there between owners and players but no one can say for sure how meaningful those truly are, the fact is a deal needs to get done and it needs to get done soon.

In my opinion there are many that are optimistic that we will have a season, but is that just wishful thinking? It seems that both sides have many issues they are not willing to budge on and both are not used to compromise but in this instance it will have to happen. The real question is can both parties agree to less on some fronts and more on others? The fact is in the issues that are up for discussion at the root of all is the money and that is where the stand off is at a stand still. I am not sure if we can say that they have progressed since the end of the season, the fact remains they are concerned over fan reaction and if they are concerned they must work tirelessly to get a deal done. Fans don’t want to hear about legalities we want to hear about free agent signings, rookies making an impact, and things going on with their teams. If the true concern is the fan base and making sure that they do not lose fans over this dispute then they must make the choice to put football on the field and not in the board room.

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By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer