We Demand Football!

NFL

After the NFC and AFC championship games are played, the Super Bowl usually takes center-stage.  While this will certainly happen to some degree this year, there is a bigger topic of discussion (bigger than a Super Bowl in Dallas?). Yes, it's much more important: it's the negotiations surrounding a possible NFL lockout next season.  The dispute focuses on finances (of course).  It's between the owners (of million-dollar-teams) and the NFL Players Association (they're rich too, right?).  While I think the minimum salary for players is somewhere in the "meager" six-figure range, at least they earned it by risking their well-being to bring joy to countless fans (and themselves, of course).

Sports have become integrated with business because in order to survive these days, you need financial SUPPORT.  That's all, greed is unnecessary.  If you don't think the greed card is being played, then ask yourself why the talks are centered on finances, yet no one has the guts to make these "financial differences" public.  It's because even "they" know what's right and what's wrong and hiding the truth is the only effective way to get what you want at the expense of others.

I must point out that there have been commendable attempts for resolution.  The man in charge, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, promised to cut his salary to $1.  Why give up $10 million when you're the boss?  Because the 'top dog' knows his responsibility to maintain the league's wonderful service to millions: entertainment and inspiration.  If he can't get his job done, then why get paid for it?

How about Antonio Cromartie?  While his past has been riddled with plenty of mistakes his present is in the right.  He will not back down from speaking his mind about the labor dispute.  He cites lost jobs, lost health-care and rehab for the injured, lack of open communication, and rightfully complains that it's all too much about money.  He may have used different word choices than I, but it's all there.  In fact, these statements were made after his initial remarks were challenged by fellow respected players.  That didn't stop him from saying what we're all feeling.

It will be an awful shame if a work-stoppage occurs in the NFL next season (or ever).  The sad truth is that if it all boils down to money then we as fans should boycott attending or watching NFL games.  The wallet would be hurting and it would do the trick.  This won't happen because fans can't help themselves from doing what is right: supporting what they love.