When millionaires argue with billionaires, who wins? I do not know which side wins, but I do know who loses and that is the fans.
On the surface, the NFL lockout is between the players and the owners. Both sides are arguing over salaries and contracts. They quarrel over how many games will be played and how much rookies should receive as a signing bonus.
I know that the NFL is a business, first and foremost, just as all professional sports are businesses. I am not here to argue that players should not get paid or that owners should not make money. The main problem with this is that the lockout is bigger than just the dispute between the owners and players. The fans are the ones that truly get locked out in this situation.
Just think about Fantasy Football next year. Besides all of the companies that make money from this selling magazines or managing leagues, NFL Fantasy Football is a huge industry that will be directly locked out next season. Something interesting to think about is if the NFL will use replacement players. This would actually make Fantasy Football very interesting, but not as fun because nobody would know who to draft. This possibility intrigues me, but personally I would rather have Peyton Manning as my quarterback than Shane Falco.
Jobs have been affected considering everyone who works with an NFL team or with a stadium is currently not needed. The economy will take a huge hit considering people will not be spending money on tickets or games. This is not just about the players or owners; the NFL lockout affects people and families all across the country.
America needs professional football. America needs the NFL. Even if you are not an NFL fan, the lockout is a huge problem because it is not just billionaires arguing with millionaires; this is something that will affect the entire sports world and the American economy as a whole.
I personally believe that an agreement will eventually be made between the owners and players. However, considering where both parties stand right now, it seems like an agreement is still a long ways off.
Lockouts are the worst things that can happen to a serious fan of any sport in one. The NFL is in one and a lockout with the NBA is looming on the horizon as well.
I plead to you athletes and owners that you remember the game that you love, and stop being selfish and come to an agreement. If not for yourselves and your well being, do it for the fans because the fans need this more than you do.
