As a fan, what bothers you the most about the Lockout? (1 Viewer)

[Shutout]

For me, after listening to this for what seems like its dragged on longer than the annual Favre retirement drama (which seems impossible), its simply that the first thing that comes out of the league's mouth...EVERY SINGLE TIME...is "We're going to get a deal done that is good for the fans..."

Huh?

Why are you guys making such an overt attempt at insulting the fans every time you open your mouths? We all know this is about money and your interest in money (both sides) and really, truly has nothing of interest to do with the fans except the fact that they want us to keep spending our money.

IF your concern was honestly to put the fans at the forefront of all your considerations, as you painfully try to say first every day, then, at the very least, NOTHING would have changed. The last I remember, a year ago at this time, even though we had just entered into completely different teritory with an Uncapped year, I wasn't stressed a bit about the NFL. Life was good. I knew football WOULD be played out in ALL its regular aspects, right on schedule. Before that, I NEVER worried about having something that was "good for me as a fan". It was just good.

Hopefully nobody reads this and tries to get too technical..i understand owners are saying they have capital concerns and are talking long-term growth. But when you are talking "growth", you're talking about revenue and money and the minority of that money is what is "necessary" to keep the train running; the majority is about people MAKING money. I know you have legitimate business issues; just don't try to make it sound like you're crusading on my behalf.

But my point is simply; it bugs me that fans seem to get lip service as if we are somehow important to them. Why can't they just say their priority is to re-establish a business model that the money earners will enjoy and the RESULT of that will be something that fans will enjoy..that's the truth.

So, what's bugging you guys?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

what bugs me most?

1 - Free agency should be going on now

2 - Both sides are making plenty of money and are greedy and want more control

 

[Shutout]

what bugs me most?1 - Free agency should be going on now2 - Both sides are making plenty of money and are greedy and want more control

Yes. Boy, i really miss Free agency right now...

 

[ConnSKINS26]

I'll echo the first two responses...I really wish the off-season was progressing normally right now. FA, trades, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I'm pumped about the draft. But I'd be much more excited if I could speculate on where we'll trade McNabb for a 4th rounder, and at least know that it could happen.

 

[RUSF18]

It's my own doing, because I'm here reading about it, on other sites reading, watching shows, etc but the thing that bothers me the most are those who are on the owners' side or the players' side and attempt to twist every little bit of news into a shot at the side they don't like, as if this is a political arena. The reality is that both groups suck and are going after what they want.

 

[lynx4ben]

I love football, hardly miss a game. However, I love the draft the most. Free agency and pre draft trades play heavily into what teams do in the draft. The lockout is dampering this for me.

 

[krsone21]

Same as all the others. What's bothering me the most is free agency not going on at the moment. I want to know if the Raiders are gonna make a play on Aso or let him go and see who they bring in. Get a deal done and bring on free agency.

 

[Spartans Rule]

That the Lions were in position to have a good team.

Wipe out any season in the last decade and I'd have gotten over it pretty quick. My team was gonna go 2-14 anyway. But Detroit could break .500 and fight for a playoff spot? Can't have that. Cancel the season.

 

[Shutout]

That the Lions were in position to have a good team. Wipe out any season in the last decade and I'd have gotten over it pretty quick. My team was gonna go 2-14 anyway. But Detroit could break .500 and fight for a playoff spot? Can't have that. Cancel the season.

Reminds me of the '94 baseball strike. The Expos FINALLY had a legit great team and they got the whole thing sucked right out of them. I hadn't thought about it but this truly IS a double whammy for teams that have something to get excited about heading into this year and haven't for a long time.

 

[Shutout]

It's my own doing, because I'm here reading about it, on other sites reading, watching shows, etc but the thing that bothers me the most are those who are on the owners' side or the players' side and attempt to twist every little bit of news into a shot at the side they don't like, as if this is a political arena. The reality is that both groups suck and are going after what they want.

I guess its natural to take sides but I get what you are saying..People ready to pick up fire and pitchforks to crusade for their cause. You're right. This is a fight that we, as fans, really aren't a part of (a consideration in). That's the gist of my rant I guess.

I think we (all the fans following it daily and having enough of an opinion to back a side) may be missing our true roll. We should be organized as a collective voice and let all the parties involved know that we aren't happy.

 

[B Maverick]

It's my own doing, because I'm here reading about it, on other sites reading, watching shows, etc but the thing that bothers me the most are those who are on the owners' side or the players' side and attempt to twist every little bit of news into a shot at the side they don't like, as if this is a political arena. The reality is that both groups suck and are going after what they want.

I am tired of the petty bickering and trying to make the other side look bad. Dont they realize it just makes them look as bad?This player calls the Commish a liar or a slave owner. This attorney calls the otherside stupid for not taking the best deal ever offered. NFL says all the pa planned to do was sue and werent negotiating. PA says NFL bait and switched and wont open books to negotiate in good faithon and on and on....Just shut the hell up and get down to business. DIdnt anyone learn anything from the MLB strike in 94???

 

[JFurby]

For me, after listening to this for what seems like its dragged on longer than the annual Favre retirement drama (which seems impossible), its simply that the first thing that comes out of the league's mouth...EVERY SINGLE TIME...is "We're going to get a deal done that is good for the fans..."

I came in here to air some grievances like the rest of you, but I found myself really happy after reading the first line of the post. So in contrast to the OP's request, my favorite thing about the lockout is that it is mid-March and I haven't heard a single thing about Favre for several months.

 

[Mello]

I hate taking sides here because this just sucks. I put 100% blame on the owners though. They opted out of agreement, have been less than open about the details around why, and they've tried every PR tactic in the book.

What most upsets me the most is being proven correct in how willing people are to buy into that propaganda.

I can't say the same on the players' side because they lack any PR. It's actually negative based on some of the stupidity they've tweeted recently.

 

[B Maverick]

For me, after listening to this for what seems like its dragged on longer than the annual Favre retirement drama (which seems impossible), its simply that the first thing that comes out of the league's mouth...EVERY SINGLE TIME...is "We're going to get a deal done that is good for the fans..."

I came in here to air some grievances like the rest of you, but I found myself really happy after reading the first line of the post. So in contrast to the OP's request, my favorite thing about the lockout is that it is mid-March and I haven't heard a single thing about Favre for several months.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I hate taking sides here because this just sucks. I put 100% blame on the owners though. They opted out of agreement, have been less than open about the details around why, and they've tried every PR tactic in the book.What most upsets me the most is being proven correct in how willing people are to buy into that propaganda.I can't say the same on the players' side because they lack any PR. It's actually negative based on some of the stupidity they've tweeted recently.

Yeah I'm kind of confused when I read comments siding with owners over players. The owners make more money as it is (probably disguising profits as wages paid to themselves, which is why they don't want to open their books) and still have TV deal income even if no games are played.

 

[texasbirdfan]

I hate taking sides here because this just sucks. I put 100% blame on the owners though. They opted out of agreement, have been less than open about the details around why, and they've tried every PR tactic in the book.What most upsets me the most is being proven correct in how willing people are to buy into that propaganda.I can't say the same on the players' side because they lack any PR. It's actually negative based on some of the stupidity they've tweeted recently.

Yeah I'm kind of confused when I read comments siding with owners over players. The owners make more money as it is (probably disguising profits as wages paid to themselves, which is why they don't want to open their books) and still have TV deal income even if no games are played.

I kind of believe the opposite. I can't believe the balls the well paid players have for asking their employers for more and trash the game by their requests. The owners own the game, not the players- they are the employees. When they get rich enough like Jerry Richardson did, then they can own a team and make their kind of money too..

 

[Novice2]

The players walked out sued the NFL and then cried they got locked out.

 

[dwyadog]

I hate taking sides here because this just sucks. I put 100% blame on the owners though. They opted out of agreement, have been less than open about the details around why, and they've tried every PR tactic in the book.What most upsets me the most is being proven correct in how willing people are to buy into that propaganda.I can't say the same on the players' side because they lack any PR. It's actually negative based on some of the stupidity they've tweeted recently.

Yeah I'm kind of confused when I read comments siding with owners over players. The owners make more money as it is (probably disguising profits as wages paid to themselves, which is why they don't want to open their books) and still have TV deal income even if no games are played.

I kind of believe the opposite. I can't believe the balls the well paid players have for asking their employers for more and trash the game by their requests. The owners own the game, not the players- they are the employees. When they get rich enough like Jerry Richardson did, then they can own a team and make their kind of money too..

Eh, the owners opted out of the agreement and the players aren't asking for more, in any deal that gets cut, the players will be getting less than they're getting right now as a % of revenue. How exactly are the players trashing the game if the owners broke the agreement early? The players will take less than they currently get, agreed to it, but just had a few stipulations which the owners, again the ones who broke the CBA, won't meet. As a fan what I dislike most is people taking the nfl situation and trying to make it fit other circumstances in order to support their points on other topics/agendas.

 

[Dave Larkin]

What bothers me is how greedy and conceited both sides are and how stubborn and "dug in" they are as far as their own stances. I can live without free agency and I'm so glad the draft is going ahead, but after that the summer is normally quiet anyway. Hopefully in that period something will get done. I really hope we don't miss training camps.

 

[bostonfred]

What bothers me most is that everyone saw this coming, and both sides had plenty of time to avoid it, but that both sides decided it would be best to wait until after the deadline for the real negotations to begin. They even made up an extra super special deadline so they could blow that off and make it really serious. I understand that you both want to play chicken to get the most out of the negotiations, but here's a thought for next time: Have all future CBAs expire in February, so we can get the stupidity out of the way sooner rather than later. If you're going to draw a line in the sand, draw one that impacts the fans less. At least you had the sense not to have the contract expire mid season.

 

[thayman]

I hate taking sides here because this just sucks. I put 100% blame on the owners though. They opted out of agreement, have been less than open about the details around why, and they've tried every PR tactic in the book.What most upsets me the most is being proven correct in how willing people are to buy into that propaganda.I can't say the same on the players' side because they lack any PR. It's actually negative based on some of the stupidity they've tweeted recently.

Yeah I'm kind of confused when I read comments siding with owners over players. The owners make more money as it is (probably disguising profits as wages paid to themselves, which is why they don't want to open their books) and still have TV deal income even if no games are played.

I kind of believe the opposite. I can't believe the balls the well paid players have for asking their employers for more and trash the game by their requests. The owners own the game, not the players- they are the employees. When they get rich enough like Jerry Richardson did, then they can own a team and make their kind of money too..

Eh, the owners opted out of the agreement and the players aren't asking for more, in any deal that gets cut, the players will be getting less than they're getting right now as a % of revenue. How exactly are the players trashing the game if the owners broke the agreement early? The players will take less than they currently get, agreed to it, but just had a few stipulations which the owners, again the ones who broke the CBA, won't meet. As a fan what I dislike most is people taking the nfl situation and trying to make it fit other circumstances in order to support their points on other topics/agendas.

Opting out of the CBA did not break the CBA.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Everything the owners proposed in the "negotiations" was terrible though.

 

[JetMaxx]

This is easy, without the lock out apparently Kolb would draw a 2011 top 10 pick.

Then again, the way Reid drafts perhaps the lockout is a blessing in disguise?

 

[az_prof]

Normally I am very dialed into the draft this time of year, preparing for the dynasty rookie draft. This year? I just about could care less. No interest whatsover.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

The effect of the bickering has simply made the off-season irrelevant. In addition, I had always thought the NFL had the ideal business model, not just in terms of the way the league operated and was set-up, but because it seemed to avoid the catastrophic labor difficulties of the other 3 major sports in the last couple of decades.

I think the most frustrating thing has been the lack of cooperation between the two sides to simply talk it out. I mean today Vrabel says he wants to talk directly to the owners. The league responds you can talk directly to the owners and us - meaning the guys the players don't waning the room. Like, are Jerry Jones and Jerry Richardson scared that without legal representation in the room, Vrabel is going to walk away with the lease to Cowboys Stadium? Mediation helped for sure, but there seems to be no real cooperative sense of urgency.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

So, what's bugging you guys?

That the Shark Pool is 50+% lockout threads and 50+% attorneys these days.Wake me up when the nightmare is over.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

What bothers me is how little the lockout bothers me. I'm tired of both sides fighting over how to divide our money. If need be, I'll find other ways to spend my time and money.

I figured I'd be really concerned about the prospects of missing the upcoming season. Now I'll just see how it plays out and I'll be fine either way. When they play again I'm sure I'll come back, but I suspect I'll be much more casual about it.

 

[thayman]

The effect of the bickering has simply made the off-season irrelevant. In addition, I had always thought the NFL had the ideal business model, not just in terms of the way the league operated and was set-up, but because it seemed to avoid the catastrophic labor difficulties of the other 3 major sports in the last couple of decades.

I think the most frustrating thing has been the lack of cooperation between the two sides to simply talk it out. I mean today Vrabel says he wants to talk directly to the owners. The league responds you can talk directly to the owners and us - meaning the guys the players don't waning the room. Like, are Jerry Jones and Jerry Richardson scared that without legal representation in the room, Vrabel is going to walk away with the lease to Cowboys Stadium? Mediation helped for sure, but there seems to be no real cooperative sense of urgency.

Because it's a waste of time. Mike Vrabel has no authority to negotiate on behalf of all of the players.I do agree with you that there is a complete lack of cooperation on both sides. Right now I'm more on the owners side, but that could easily change. I just want to see some football.

 

[rapidskies]

That I have finally assembled one of the greatest dynasty football teams of all time and will probably leave and not be back if there is no season.

 

[cdwood]

I agree with the original poster that any mention of what is good for the fans is a joke. The owners and players are on their own side and any mention that they care about the fans is insulting. The fans will continue to watch regardless of the outcome.

What bugs me the most is that the two sides aren't negotiating towards a contract agreement. All of this legal wrangling and going to the courts may ensure that there will be games played in September, but the fact is that there must be a CBA hammered out to ensure that the league will continue without any labor worries.

 

[massraider]

The players walked out sued the NFL and then cried they got locked out.

The players didn't walk out, the owners opted out of the CBA. When choosing sides, it's good to have a clue what happened.

 

[Kleck]

I'm really not that bothered by it. Mainly that work and life is busy and enjoyable enough for me that I haven't had much time to think or care about it. I'm also still flying high from the Packers being Super Bowl Champs.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Yeah I mean until further notice let's just call them 2011-2012 champs too.

 

[CompetitiveEdgeFootball]

I just hate the fact that it's going to freeze, or at least slow down offseason activity, throwing off my FF prep this year.

 

[TeamSnooki]

I'm not too bothered yet.

I understand why they're fighting each other over every cent and I don't really blame anyone for getting as much as they can/not being taken advantage of. I still (optimistically) think they get a deal done without missing any real football.

But if they start to miss training camp, that is when I'll officially be bothered. At that point, I'm gonna start thinking it's more about greed and ego than both sides fighting just to get a good deal.

 

[Donnybrook]

So, what's bugging you guys?

The eternal optimists who feel the need to say when and why the dispute will be resolved when they really have no clue.

 

[noneother]

what is it, beyond " a look at the books", that the players ACTUALLY WANT?

I find that frustrating... IMO regardless of the actual NUMBER.. there should be some form of demand in flat costs and percentages... something to the tune of "50 million in pension contributions every year" and "40% of NET operating income" and possibly terms that define net operating income... "operating expenses are expected to be 35% of Gross Revenue"

seems to me the players have no objective other to see what they can get... like my kids... who take 10 dollars from me on vacation, then find I grab a few 20s, and have remorse that didn't negotiate for one of those... when it seems they perceive because I have more, that I am able to part with it...versus understanding that $$ is also for paying the dinner bill...

ya don't like it.. stay in school, and get a degree... like the rest of us...

 

[VaCatFan]

You know, I thought I'd be much more irritated that the NFL was in lockdown, but I'm really not. It's to the point where I don't care about millionaires suing billionaires. (Yeah, yeah. I know, a lot of players aren't millionaires, but when it takes me 9 years to earn a single year of the lowliest level football players salary, it certainly feels like they're all millionaires).

If they have a season, great. I'll watch it on TV and maybe even go to a game. If not, then screw them. If the season starts late, screw them. If we, the people/fans would man up enough to show our displeasure with these goofballs by not paying the exorbitant prices for tickets, concessions, and parking, then maybe they'd get their heads outta their butts and realize they're killing the goose that laid the golden eggs.

That is exactly what I did to baseball after their last work stoppage. I may read about baseball in the paper every now and again, but the only games I've been to have been minor league games and I don't watch it on television (well, except for the little league world series and international tournaments).

Maybe someone should start a facebook page protesting the owners and players and get signatures to petition that they get back to work and get a deal done. I know there are a lot of people pissed off at one side or the other. Maybe we should be venting at both sides and social media seems like a good way to get it done.

 

[VaCatFan]

Actually, it appears that there already is a facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_123967294338757

 

[The High Priest]

What bugs me.....Millionairs', and Billionairs' crying to each other when its the people that make min wage who are getting it in the Dariy air!

 

[FavreCo]

That my guys won't be in minicamps training for another FFL title.

 

[cvnpoka]

what is it, beyond " a look at the books", that the players ACTUALLY WANT?

I find that frustrating... IMO regardless of the actual NUMBER.. there should be some form of demand in flat costs and percentages... something to the tune of "50 million in pension contributions every year" and "40% of NET operating income" and possibly terms that define net operating income... "operating expenses are expected to be 35% of Gross Revenue"



seems to me the players have no objective other to see what they can get... like my kids... who take 10 dollars from me on vacation, then find I grab a few 20s, and have remorse that didn't negotiate for one of those... when it seems they perceive because I have more, that I am able to part with it...versus understanding that $$ is also for paying the dinner bill...

ya don't like it.. stay in school, and get a degree... like the rest of us...

players arent asking for more. they even agreed to a lesser percentage. but it wasnt enough of a cut for the owners.

 

[Kirby]

"We have not boycotted. We have not said you can't go," Mawae said. "But we do want them to seriously consider the idea that the man that you are going to shake hands with on the day you get drafted is the man that is going to prevent you from making a living."

Keeping them from making a living? They can go get a ####ty job like the rest of us if they don't want to make 325k a year.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

ya don't like it.. stay in school, and get a degree... like the rest of us...

I so wish this was making me money.

 

[Jayded]

I think overall the public is just tired of hearing about it in general. Either figure it out and then make press at that point, or stop covering it until something worthwhile comes from the discussions. Every day we got closer one or two sentence comments would come out, the rhetoric getting louder and louder and eventually we all got tired of hearing it.

I think, for me anyways, football is an escape. I have to sit in enough meetings and deal with enough BS Monday - Friday that football is a good escape where I can turn on the TV and forget about petty bickering. Suddenly they're throwing it in our faces and a source of entertainment is now mirroring the day-to-day we are trying to escape.

 

[noneother]

ya don't like it.. stay in school, and get a degree... like the rest of us...

I so wish this was making me money.

Pretty much my point. It ain't so bad being a professional football player.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Ok well I don't think they're beholden to me to keep their salaries down just because I can't start a bidding war over my Jean Genet essays.

 

[LawFitz]

Billionaires vs. Millionaires,

during the biggest economic downturn since the you know what. That's what makes this particular work stoppage so rough.

That said, the owners don't want to show the books but want the pie split to be based on said books and I don't see how that can work. They do have the leverage though. Sort of.

 

[Bri]

There's so many things like all the pretentious surprise reactions

that we fans are not united enough to make our own demands like cheaper tickets, concessions at stadiums, safety at stadiums etc.

We all know fans are going to pay whatever the difference is here. It's only the owners giving up more or the players giving up more today. Tomorrow it'll be articles about fans outraged about the ticket price or that jersey prices doubled or somesuch.

That mom can't put Smith and Goodell in a room and tell them not to come out til the two of them can play nicely.

That I can't go to these meetings with a taser gun threatening to take care of anyone not willing to compromise.

That money is always talked about but we still have an orange team named Brown. Not to mention the Redskins name issues.

That there is so many impressive concussion research presented by reputable doctors yet no one takes it a step further and takes a scan of Haynesworth or Davis' brain.

That Joe hasn't purchased LockoutGuys.com

That we may be discussing a season that may never happen only to repeat it again next year if it doesn't.

That Vince Young hasn't thrown his shoulder pads at the arbitrator in disgust yet.

That no one tells us what Tags thinks of all this or if he can help out here at all.

That no one's considered that some of these owners don't even have books and might just rake the money into a big pit.

That both sides are trying this through the press

Did anyone ever say they cared about their financial rights as players or owners? Why do they keep telling us about them then?

That no one's told Jerry Richardson he should shhh because he really hasn't created a model anything with his team.

That no one has suggested getting Goodell and Smith drunk yet even if just to here an "I love you man".

 

[Thorpe]

Not so much on this forum, but it seems like I hear a lot of people complain that they can't tell their bosses how much salary they should make, so neither should the NFL players allowed to do so. As if there is no difference between playing QB and flipping burgers.

Also, people who say that NFL owners take a risk, so they should get a bigger percentage of profits. The NFL has to be one of the safest places to invest money.

Then there are the players who have to feed their families, or think they are the only ones with dangerous job. Bull Riders make a tiny fraction of the money NFL players make and their job is probably more dangerous. There are people who snowboard off the top of mountains just to be in a video.