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Dear NFL Fan,

 

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

 

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

 

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

 

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

 

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

 

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.

 

 

 

Yours,

Roger Goodell

It all comes down to 2 things with the players and mostly one. 1 billion dollars and 18 game season. The biggest being 1 billion dollars. The owners have basically said we're going to keep 1 bill because we need it. You just have to trust us without seeing the books. If they didn't have anything to hide they would open their books. The two sides aren't even close it seems.

It's my opinion that the owners "own" their businesses, and don't owe it to the players to open their books up. Can you imagine going into your boss, asking for a raise, and demanding him to show you his bank statement? Owners are the employers, players are the employees, period. IMO, the players need to be careful. The owners can withstand the hit in cashflow, most of the players can not.

I'm with the players. Yeah the owners own the business but nobody pays to see Jerry Jones and the like. The players make the league and the owners have become greedy. An 18 game season, who does that benefit besides the owners? Would fans even like that on a yearly basis? Taking a billion plus off the top, why would they "need" to do that? I doubt any NFL team lost money last year, I seriously do. What business in America is better than the NFL? I think if the players don't take a stand now, they are setting future players up to be extremely exploited.

 

To me it's the owners greed and the players just trying to get what is rightfully theirs. The staunch conservative, ultra-capitalist faction of the U.S. will not agree with that but I don't care. I hope there isn't an NFL season if it comes to that billion dollars.

It's my opinion that the owners "own" their businesses, and don't owe it to the players to open their books up. Can you imagine going into your boss, asking for a raise, and demanding him to show you his bank statement? Owners are the employers, players are the employees, period. IMO, the players need to be careful. The owners can withstand the hit in cashflow, most of the players can not.

 

A bit naive, Boucher. We're not talking about a plumbing business or Wal-Mart.

 

Business is all about leverage. Playes have leverage. If just anyone could do the job the owners would not even be at the table. They NEED talent in order to bring in their desired revenues.

No naivity here. I know a bit about business myself. You don't think the owners have any leverage? They can withstand a major disruption in cash flow. What percentage of the players union do you think can?

No naivity here. I know a bit about business myself. You don't think the owners have any leverage? They can withstand a major disruption in cash flow. What percentage of the players union do you think can?

 

What players' union?

No naivity here. I know a bit about business myself. You don't think the owners have any leverage? They can withstand a major disruption in cash flow. What percentage of the players union do you think can?

 

That's the problem for me. The owners act like their destitute or something. Every NFL player is not a millionaire, but most owners are billionaires or close to it.

It's kinda sad really. Bunch of greedy people should be ashamed of themselves.

It's my opinion that the owners "own" their businesses, and don't owe it to the players to open their books up. Can you imagine going into your boss, asking for a raise, and demanding him to show you his bank statement? Owners are the employers, players are the employees, period. IMO, the players need to be careful. The owners can withstand the hit in cashflow, most of the players can not.

 

A couple of things-

 

1. Any public company or not for profit company must make their books public knowledge; I understand that the NFL does not fall under these perameters, but let's not act like seeing the audited books is such a ridiculous request. Asking your boss for a raise and asking the players to give back $1 billion is not on the same plane, IMO.

 

2. The NFLPA have decertified before and had success with this strategy. In 1989, they did this and won a case against the NFL. This strategy, IMO, is bad for the NFL owners because they have not had success in litigation against the players. Now, the courts will force opening up the books during the course of this litigation.

No naivity here. I know a bit about business myself. You don't think the owners have any leverage? They can withstand a major disruption in cash flow. What percentage of the players union do you think can?

 

Each side has serious positives. You point out the owners' positive and I agree. However, your original post tried to equate the NFL to a regular everyday business like you might or others do own.

It's kinda sad really. Bunch of greedy people should be ashamed of themselves.

 

I have no problem with either side. they're doing what they think is best and they think they have the leverage to win. It's the beauty of business.

I have a feeling this will get very ugly for the NFL if they lockout. I can see many fans being pretty angry with the billionaires and millionaires fighting eachother.

I have a feeling this will get very ugly for the NFL if they lockout. I can see many fans being pretty angry with the billionaires and millionaires fighting eachother.

 

They might get angry. However, they will all return as soon as the season gets going again.

I have no problem with either side. they're doing what they think is best and they think they have the leverage to win. It's the beauty of business.

 

Doesn't seem like good business to me to be fighting over billions of dollars while people are homeless, jobless etc in our country. All while people like military, teachers, and law enforcement make so little, these guys are considering locking out? Alot of fans are not happy with this...