COMMENTARY | It's now safe to buy that 55" HD flat screen or the recliner with massage rollers and cooler you were wanting. The NFL lockout came to an end Monday, and it seems both sides are satisfied with the new deal. The 10-year agreement guarantees that we will have steady football without similar 4 ½ month strikes until at least 2021.
NFL Player's Association executive DeMaurice Smith and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell were all smiles during the press conference announcing a deal. Why wouldn't they be? I mean, the NFL is the most popular sport in the country, and now all parties involved won't miss out on one red cent. The Player's Association estimated that each NFL city would lose $160 million in revenue if the season was canceled, according to the Washington Post -- a number outside analysts say is inflated.
Even though football players have a better image in regards to selling out, I was surprised they agreed to a reduction in the overall percentage of earnings that must be earmarked for player salaries. Players now get only 47 percent, a drop of approximately 3 percent from the prior collective bargaining agreement. Increases in earnings will no doubt keep the player salaries up with inflation, but most sports stars consider themselves to be the main draw, ignoring the facts of the business model. While the players spend their earnings on Lamborghini Diablos, money going to the owners could create more jobs or expand operations. We will see some improvements to the stadiums and other venues over the next few years.
The single biggest compromise that came from the agreement was in extending the season from 16 games to 18. The fans will no doubt approve, but older players will be feeling the effects come February. The two extra games increase the length of the season by 12 percent. If earnings see a similar increase, it could be a very good thing for players and owners. I can think of a few more companies such as Frito Lay and Pizza Hut, that will also approve. More games per season has been needed for a long time, and while I couldn't care less about other changes, the extra games are a welcome addition.
Even though there are large sums of money and tons of legal matters involved in sports contracts, I do not believe U.S. courts and the government should be involved. Actions like the anti-trust lawsuit that will now be dropped should be reserved as a last resort, and the bill for any legal proceedings should be picked up by the league or players union.
I find it sad that Congress cannot quickly solve the problem with the debt ceiling, but lawmakers have no qualms sending out subpoenas to baseball players regarding steroid use. The negotiations and collective bargaining agreements are a necessary evil for organized professional sports. I do believe that simpler terms and solutions can be made: The charade of 250 lb. linebackers entering court rooms in suit and tie is ludicrous.
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