What is a lockout? A lockout is the exclusion of employees (players) by their employers (owners) from their place of work until certain terms (Collective Bargaining Agreement) are agreed upon. In this case, the NFL Lockout occurred on March 11, 2011 after negotiations between the NFL Player Association and the NFL itself on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement broke down.

What specifically happens in this lockout? Players cannot visit any team facilities for any reason. Coaches cannot communicate with their respective players. There are no player signings that can take place. (This includes players drafted in this year’s NFL Draft) Any perks, like healthcare, will not be provided by teams and will have to be paid for by the players themselves

Why is this happening? This is happening because the CBA between the NFL owners and the NFLPA expired after the owners unanimously voted to opt out of CBA created in ‘06, in ‘08. In terms of negotiations, the owners wanted the players to give up 18% of their 60% share within the $9 billion revenue to help pay for stadium investments, while extending the season from 16 games to 18. The player’s on the other hand argue that they should not take any pay-cut if the league extends the season. They also argue that each game proves as a risk to their long term physical and mental health and that they should keep their share. Negotiations broke down because of the lack of records showing that the NFL franchises are losing money from their stadium investments.

Who else is affected? TV Stations: TV stations have contracts with the NFL, if the NFL is on lockout through the time season starts, networks will be forced to air substitutes while at the same time, lose huge amounts of money from the lack of advertisement deals. Families: Because healthcare for players and their families are provided for by the teams, any medical need must be paid out of the player’s wallet. Fans: Football has always been part of America’s mainstream media. With the potential risk of not having a season this year, many Americans will have to find something else to do on Sunday.

How does this relate to history? During the time between the late 19 th century and early 20 th century, labor unions sprang up and started strikes or because of the lack of proper healthcare, lack of proper pay, or insufficient working environments. Although the main argument of the situation now does not exactly apply to the same reasoning before, the idea is still the same. There is work stoppage because there is something the employees and the management cannot agree on.

What is a direct effect of the lockout? Prior to the lockout being initiated, the Player’s Union decertified and filed a lawsuit against the NFL. Players such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees would spearhead this movement. It has gained the name of Brady V. NFL

How has the issue been handled so far? As of May 16, 2011, The 8 th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted a permanent stay on the lockout. It will remain so until a full appeal hearing scheduled on June 3, 2011.

Will the lockout ever end before season starts? With the Appeal Court’s current ruling and the probability of the June 3 rd ruling, it seems that we’ll have to wait until a new CBA is worked up until we see football on Sundays. However, despite the “millionaires vs. billionaires” dispute going on, one thing will remain constant. Fans just want their football dose on Sunday.

Article Sources ESPN Fox NFL.com Miami Herald WTAM (Radio)

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