Time For A Deal

by Mo Johnson
(Montclair, VA)

Good points about the fact that the owners do have a case. And, a panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals seems to agree with you. By a 2-1 vote, the judges upheld the validity of the lockout. You can read the opinion at NFL Wins Stay of Order To End Lockout.

Now we wait for the hearing before the full court of appeals on June 3rd. But, based on the panel's decision it appears the NFL owners are now in the drivers seat on this issue. And, it's important because a lockout allows the owners to stop paying the players and in that way, outlast them.

Of course, the court may not issue it's decision till well after June 3rd and even that will be subject to appeal.

Not as well known, but also significant, is that the NFL players have also filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the NLRB currently tends to lean in favor of labor and unions. That could be a "game-changer" -- but who knows if and when that decision will be made.

The bottom line is that the owners currently hold the edge in the litigation battle, but it's obvious that this is a close case and the litigation could drag on indefinitely and inconclusively.

Both sides need to come to an agreement out of court. I say, just split whatever differences remain down the middle, shake hands, and get back to playing football.