Players Decertify, Owners Lock Them Out, Players Sue; Should We Care?

There is no question in my mind that the NFL players, represented by their union, wanted to go to court. I don't even think they care about the negotiations. I think they want to "make history" and, more importantly, stay in the headlines.

The Chicago Bears' website has posted an article titled "NFL releases statement on decertification, lockout."

What does decertification mean and why are the players doing it?

As a union, the players have to abide by certain standards and practices. They have to bargain in good faith. However, if they decertify, or essentially dissolve the union, then they can take the owners to court in a class action lawsuit. They want to get a judge involved.

The owners have no choice but to lockout the players. Do you realize that now, if a player was hurt in practice, the ramifications could be totally different?

As I've written, the players are arrogant. They are asking for information they have no business getting. Owners have no obligation to them at all to tell them anything about what they earn. Do you know what your company makes in reference to your salary? I doubt that you do. The owners asked for a minor increase of a $9 billion excess that the players have and the players do not want to give them that. Alright, if you don't think they should have it don't give in. However, going to court shows what the players are really made of -- greed.

It is the old song getting something for nothing. Players do not play football today for the love of the game-they play for money and fame.

I would ask you to take a few minutes to read this reference article so you can get a good idea of what the owners put on the table for the players.

As you look back over the last couple of weeks, it is now easy to see a pattern from the players. They allowed there to be extensions, but they retained their belligerent attitude so that when the time came where they could legally decertify, it would not seem out of character or out of place. But it is very clear.

I think the fans should make note of this. These players could easily be replaced. If you think you are watching the elite of the world's athletes every Sunday, you're kidding yourself. Let's give some players who want to play because they love the game a chance to play and see what happens to the level of play and, just as importantly, fun.

I think you would be amazed.

Reference:

Chicago Bears Website, "NFL releases statement on decertification, lockout"