Lockout Still Cruising Along
July 22nd, 2011
"Hey, De. I just can't stop thinking about that lap dance we got last night. I think the brunette really liked me. I hear you, hatchetman. She was looking for more than tickets."
Joe is so annoyed by the asinine lockout, it can’t be put into words. And that’s why Joe rarely writes about it. It’s big-time annoying and boring, and Joe has to believe most of his readers feel the same way.
But since Joe’s inbox is full today with readers telling Joe the owners approved a new labor agreement that now sits in the hands of the in-no-hurry players — some writing as if Joe didn’t know — Joe will give his brief two cents.
As much as Joe wants training camp to start, Joe sincerely hopes the players take their time scrutinizing the new CBA and peppering their team representatives with questions about it before they vote to approve it. It should take them at least a three or four days.
This ain’t Washington D.C., where it’s expected that elected officials will vote on life-changing legislation wihout bothering to read what’s in it.
Joe’s heard many a fan call players idiots for making bad investment decisions, using sweeping generalizations about guys who flushed money down the toilet and went broke because they didn’t take the time to figure out what they were getting into.
Joe suspects the players’ leadership won’t let that happen. And fans shouldn’t rip the players for being thorough, and good role models for Congress.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 am
I turn on one channel, owners and players can’t make a deal. Turn on another channel and politicians can’t make a deal. Truly pathetic.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:16 am
Joe…You bring up a great point. If the owners would have given them this deal on Tuesday, they would have had time to hammer thru it, but sometimes time frames are used as negotiation tactics. The players are now feeling the pressure of being able to get back to work tomorrow. The owners are the better business men in this dispute, so I hope the player’s representation is taking every caution possible. I hope they can plow through this and start tomorrow, but I think you are right about the three or four day process.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:19 am
To be clear…
The exec committee reviews and recommends approval to the players – then the doors open tomorrow. League year opens wednesday but only after a 50% +1 vote of approval from the players themselves..
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:22 am
I disagree Joe. The players should have been abreast of all of the negotiations and sticking points throughout the process. This is why they have the 11 or so Player Reps that negotiated this deal as well as De Smith and a host of Atty’s. I can understand taking 24 hours to read and digest it but if the deal is everything De and the Reps agreed to then sign it and move on. If I were the Owners, I’d tell them to take it or leave it and Come Wednesday morning at 7:00 Am they can be ready and at the facility or we are hiring replacement players. This take our time, decide on our own time is BS. They have 132 days to do that. This is why we have lawyers, to read it, explain it to you, give you the highs and lows. If you don’t trust your lawyer or your leader, what in the hell are you paying him for. This is stupid.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:24 am
I disagree thoroughly with Joe, The main points or framework has been in the players hands or at least D.Smiths, The players have been draggin this out for YEARS now. When the owners chose not to continue the old CBA in 2008 the players chose to not negotiate during the interim. This could have been done along time ago! And as far as thier contention that recertification is a “serious and sober matter that will take time” BS It was thier plan all along to recertify. Decertification was a tactic nothing more. This is about pride, testosterone and money folks, period!
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:25 am
There are lots of players and union members, like Barrett Ruud and loads of other vetersn, who benefit from a shortened offseason that hurts the odds of a rookie making an impact. There’s a lot more at play in the timing of all this. I’d expect the players to approve a deal next week sometime.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:30 am
Vic if they approve it next week “sometime” then take the time to recertify as a union that eliminates week one of the pre-season…. Dont forget they get half the revenue from those games… Not smart
This whole they will eventually get around to it attitude by the players is sickening.
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:36 am
Lets not forget that some things have not been negotiated yet and can’t be until the union is reformed… more time
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:51 am
@ATRAIN – Since when do players get paid more than nickels for a preseason game. It’s not part of their salary. A teeny sliver of the half of the overall pie they’d lose for one preseason game is all but meaningless to the individual player, esxpecially the veteran the edge over a rookie or second year guy. Use your head.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:02 am
Thats crap and you know it… Each preseason game brings in millions of dollars in both TV and Gate money. Use my head… clear yours. Half of that money goes to the players. Do you pay less to go to preseason games? Most of us don’t. Do the tv networks not pay for pre-season games? Really Vic get a clue
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:08 am
@Atrain — OK, smart guy.
Estimates published put preseason revenue at $500 million.
Divide that by four weeks of presason games, and you’ve got $125 million in revenue if a game is lost.
Then divide that in half for the players’ share, and you’ve got 62.5 million.
Then divide that by 2,000 players and you’ve got $32,000.
Then subtract the players revenue that goes to other sources other than their pocket books, and taxes, and you have peanuts in the eyes of the majority of players for the loss of one preseason game.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:19 am
really 32000 was peanuts to LeGarrett Blount last year? How bout the hundreds of non-Manning/Brady’s. How about all the undrafted free agents that will only make $150,000. I know all you elitists want America to believe 32,000 means nothing to these guys but to some it means alot.
And the estimate is 800 MILLION noy 500 million!
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:26 am
“NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, who said that about $200 million is generated during each of the four weeks of exhibition games. That money helps fund the league’s salary cap and players’ regular-season game checks. “
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:35 am
I agree that the players should look at it thoroughly. What I don’t understand is why some players cam out swinging and saying the owners are “pulling a fast one” or trying to “sneak” stuff in there in the last minute.
Sounds like ignorance by the players. By all accounts De Smith has had 99% of this CBA the owners agreed on and should have had it in the hands of the player reps from each team.
According to Sal Pal and Mortenson and some on the NFL Network, there are a couple things in there not settled yet, but a hand shake deal was completed and the rest will get done after it is signed and they reform the union.
Much of what was left undone had to do with supplemental income sharing which has to do with the NFL sharing revenues and making sure the smaller markets, as well as all teams, make money. Basically it benefits the players and, as far as how it is negotiated, has nothing to do with them.
I have heard reps from a few teams say they are ready to sign, if so, then that means they have looked at, unlike some others are claiming.
Regardless, what do you expect from and NFLPA run by a guy (Smith) who is vying for a Senate seat and in bed with Holder & Obama? He is playing political games.
Of course if he wants a Senate seat, he better not become the guy who blocked the NFL from getting a deal in time. He MUST be smart enough to know that much.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 am
VIC
First off, your math is completely wrong in how they pay players for pre-season games.
Secondly you state “… you have peanuts in the eyes of the majority of players for the loss of one preseason game.”
Actually no… it is not peanuts. Most players are not millionaires. Most players play only 4 seasons. Most players are playing for their jobs and a contract in pre-season.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:51 am
Billionaires vs millioniares! Its all hard to swallow, when you’re having trouble just making ends meet!
BTW The players are coming across as idiots and villians!
Role models? Pffft! Just play the sport! That is what it is afterall, just a sport! Sad, when you think about.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:53 am
@ATrain — That 32K was before revenue that comes out for non-salary payouts, taxes, agents, non-salary union funds.
@Dave — Every team already has more than half of its players under contract for 2011. Those guys want fewer preseason games. Less chance of getting hurt, plus less chance of getting beat out by a non-roster guy.
Simple math.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:57 am
A CLARIFICATION. Atrain is right, some issues cannot be settled now, like drug testing, player conduct policy, etc. These are issues that must be colectively bargained. The players must recertify and become a union again before these agreements can be added to a new CBA. Until then the old language regarding player conduct carries forward ie Talib’s situation is unchanged. THE SITUATION: The players are on the horns of a dilemma. This is a 10 year agreement and the players got an excellent revenue sharing deal (48%) and the owners did this in exchange for the things that threaten their very existence – they want judicial oversight to go away; they want all antitrust lawsuits to go away; they want out of the Minneapolis courts (Judge Doty); they want all future labor issues to be heard by the NLRB instead of federal court; and they want to maintain Goodell’s unfettered control of the inmates. The players can take the money and run, but they will give any legal recourse other than those afforded by labor law ie arbitration, strike, etc. and accept all edicts by the commissioner without appeal for the next ten years. (see next and final post)
July 22nd, 2011 at 11:04 am
Macabee Hit it perfect, those who can control themselves will ratify this deal those who can’t well…….
July 22nd, 2011 at 11:35 am
WHAT I WOULD DO: This is not meant to be legal advice, but just one fan’s opinion to get on with football. I would not settle today, but I would offer a final negotiation that would maitain the timeline to the start of training camp. I would fire off a letter to the executive committee stating the players desire to remain decertified awaiting Judge Doty’s decision due any day now. I would state that the players believe you to be in violation of federal law by setting a drop-dead date for recertification which is tantamount to forcing the players to unionize and that if forced to we will seek appropiate punitive damages from such actions. I would suggest a meeting at their earliest convenience as we believe there is a pathway to settlement pending their involvement. I would attach a memorandum that list the following issues to resolve by Tuesday, July 27. (1) Amnesty for all non-felony charges during the lockout (2) withholding of adjudication on any charges until the legal process is completed, leaving teams to decide on contract violation and action to be taken (3) An automatic 3 judge appeals process for any fine over $5000 or suspension beyond 1 game (4) An opt-out clause after 60 months which must be exercised within 12 months following the lapse of month 60. They won’t get everything they ask for, but it’s their last chance to ask for 10 years.
July 22nd, 2011 at 11:44 am
Everybody is an expert.
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
I think D. Smith is making himself and players look like idiots. I’ve been on the side of the players from the beginning. But the comments from players and D. Smith acting like he needs to go over EVERYTHING with his reps and players should have been something that should have already been done or could have been accomplished last night. These ridiculous tactics makes be a non fan of both the PA and the NFL. I just find it hard to believe that the Hatchetman and Owners would have voted and had a press conference without thinking they had a deal with the PA. I think this just another tactic by D. Smith to try and show his power. With that said I also think Pash the attorney for the owners is the biggest dic! out there. I also think the comments made by the players that aren’t the reps look like they don’t know anything. I believe that’s an issue that makes the rep look bad and D. Smith look like an idiot. The first thing I would do if I were D Smith.. ( thank god I’m not) is to tell all players to shut their yap and not make any comments.
I do give credit to Rich on the NFL network (espn’s coverage sucks) in trying to get to the heart of what the issues really are and why there is such a disconnect between the two sides. This lockout is Asinine…It’s making everyone look like an ass.
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Doty’s ruling will never be actionable, the NFL and players had already been before the special master and a ruling was rendered. Even if he rules in the players favor which he will, the owners will appeal to the 8th circuit who will then overturn it…….. Saga continues
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:18 pm
” Vic Says:
@Dave — Every team already has more than half of its players under contract for 2011. Those guys want fewer preseason games. Less chance of getting hurt, plus less chance of getting beat out by a non-roster guy. ”
I would argue only about 1/4 the players are secure on any given team. The rest are fighting for jobs & positions.
I agree, many don’t want alot of pre-season games, but it is glaringly obvious that ALMOST 100% were completely against more games and les pre-season. They would rather keep it as is.
Most vets aren’t that thrilled with pre-season, but most the team and the coaches need it. If nothing else but to evaluate. See who is progressing etc… And like I said, most those players do need that money.
Remember Earnest Graham practically lived out of his car once while trying to make the Bucs roster. That is extreme, but the vast majority are NOT millionaires.
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@Dave — That’s crazy. At least half the Bucs are secure with a roster spot, as you’ll find on every team in the leauge.
And since the players decide their CBA fate with only a simple majority, 50 percent +1, the voters are very likely to lean toward less training camp and maybe even the loss of a preseason game, which was the point of the my original post — twisted mightily by the various Democrats here.
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
10 more days! Just ten more days and we get our London “home” game back and it get’s possibly paid for by losing a practice “game.”
Believe it or not, this could be a good thing for Buccaneer fans who actually enjoy going to HOME GAMES AT HOME!
It’s going to get done anyway, why not to the fans advantage……..just one time?
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
VIC
I kind of forgot what your point is. LOL
All I am trying to say is that IN TRAINING CAMP when there are 90 players only about 1/4 are extremely secure.
The rest are fighting for a roster spot OR fighting for a better position on the depth chart.
I do agree that the players would gladly do away with one pre-season game but this year is different. Because fo the lock-out and the fact that there were no OTAs, most are probably chomping at the bit to get training camp going.
These guys are not used to be around their families and girlfriends so much LOL
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Garv Says
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the NFL and the Bucs and the Bears are all making too much money to play that game in London to throw it away. Not going to happen.
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:43 pm
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/We-have-a-proposed-deal.html
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Dave
I know it. Fact is, even if the lockout goes beyond August 1, I’m sure they’ll find a way. We’ll just catch them in yet another disrespectful lie to the fans and season ticket holders.
Like all of us, I just want my Buccaneer football back. Keeping all of our home games from now on would be nice too.
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Garv
Look on the bright side. Keeping the SB bid alive when everyone knew NY would get it and accepting the London game when most teams don’t want HAS to give Tampa some brownie points towards the next SB they bid.
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Garv- I kinda agree with that idea.
But a weekend trip to London might be a good thing too!
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:39 pm
You make a good point, Joe…but there is also the issue of how badly Smith and the NFLPA has handled all this.
They should have kept the players informed properly along the way so that questions could have been addressed as they went along. But they didn’t, and not they have a bunch of players wondering what the heck is happening.
Remember the group of players that considered forming their own negotiating group a couple months back? It was because they were not being kept in the loop.
And now, of course…they are all over Smith for it and he points the finger at the owners saying “It’s them! They are trying to force us into a fast decision!”
You watch…Smith is going to be out of a job in a month or so when the NFLPA votes on a new leader.
PLAYERS VOTING PROCESS:
Voting Session #1: 11 people vote
Voting Session #2: 32 Player Reps vote
And assuming that it all gets through that part:
Voting Session #3: 1900 players vote
There are so many people voting that there is no chance all of them will be happy.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:58 pm
This was a calculated move by the owners. Delay getting the documents to the players then vote before the players can. Then sit back and blame the players for the delay of the season. And the typical idiot American falls for it.
Same reason we go back and forth with Democrats and Republicans every 4 or 8 years.