The collective bargaining agreement ("CBA"), the agreement that governs the relationship between the NFL (league and owners) and the players, is set to expire at the end of the season. (The players are part of a union that is in direct negotiations with the league.) The parties have begun negotiations and hope for a new CBA prior to the end of the season. This hope, however, is quite grim as there are many issues at play here that are far from being resolved. (And yes, all of the issues come down to money.)
The players acting in unison last night was intended to show that they are one unit working together to negotiate a new CBA. Although, this act had minimal impact, it was something that I just did not want to be bothered with as I was escaping into my football fantasy land for the night. At a time when unemployment is at crazy highs, I didn't want to be disturbed by the players' pleas for more money. Sure, both the players and the owners need to negotiate a CBA that will provide each party with what they deserve, but this discussion should not burden the fans. All the fans see are guys who make millions of dollars for a dream job complaining about money. The players need to make sure that they do not alienate their fans with these "acts of solidarity." Stay strong as a unit, but pick a different forum in which to exemplify your strength. The fans watch football for an escape and do not want to be burdened with the players' financial struggles, especially when those of the fans are much more severe.
No comments:
Post a Comment