As the NFL lock-out pushes into the summer and the players start to get inpatient, and the owners start feeling the pressure of their sponsors it looks as if both sides are beginning to crack. A new labor agreement has yet to be signed and the on again off again negotiations seem to be back on again. With key stakeholders for both sides meeting in Chicago recently for the not so private meetings it finally looks like both sides are realizing it's time to get a deal done. Preseason games are to due to start in a couple of months and the league hasn't even begun to start signing free-agents for the upcoming season. The most popular game in America today seems to be only in the news discussing the next court deadline with our expansive judicial system. Gone is the excitement of stars joining new teams, or new coaches becoming acclimated with their new rosters. No off-season OTA's to discuss, or rookie minicamps to see former college stars enter into their new careers.
Teams that have relationships with different facilities across the U.S. have reached the point where they must disclose to their different partners about the training camps that are due to begin in early July. The NFL Owners really value these relationships and they don't want to just keep the status of the training camp in limbo. Some of those communities that host these training camps rely on the 2 months of football activity that takes place just before the NFL regular season kicks off. Sponsorships, and advertising deals between teams and local networks need to be ironed out as well for preseason games that are covered by teams and their local television markets. Local vendors, restaurants, and specialty stores also count on the traffic from fans that visit the practices, and camps during the coming summer months as well.
Players are starting to get a little antsy as well. Players around the league are creating their own camps to train, and workout with fellow team members, and even in some cases division rivals. Players around the league are joining local flag football leagues to stay in shape in preparation of a labor agreement being signed at anytime. Football players are paid to play football and with the uncertainty that is part of the NFL today many players are forced to come up with their own programs for preparation. With stipulations in their contracts there are risk that arise from informal off-season workouts not schedule by teams. No player wants to be the one walking into camp out of shape for a training camp that might be shortened to allow for the regular season to start at its normal time.
In conclusion it looks like the time is now to agree on a deal. It's summer time and fans have been away from the game since the Super Bowl ended in early February. Owner's come down on their demands, and players give up a little of their large piece of pie so we can see the beautiful game of football played out where it belongs. On the field where fans can see some of the greatest athletes in our land competing at the game we love so much. We are ready for some football.
No comments:
Post a Comment