CBA

[Joemailman]

Yep. One of the main points of the mediator is that you don't have one side pack up and go home because they don't like the way things are going.

[Kiwon]

Q. - Is this Binding Mediation or Non-binding Mediation?

[Joemailman]

The mediator does not have the power to impose a ruling. Arbitration, which this is not, can sometimes be binding.

[Smidgeon]

Q. - Is this Binding Mediation or Non-binding Mediation?

Non.

[Patler]

I hope mediation fails.
I hope both sides become even more firm.
I hope a lockout occurs and carries into late September, at least.
I hope at least two months of the regular season are lost.
I hope fans lose interest and stay away when games return.

Only then will the players and owners realize that you really can kill the goose that is laying the golden eggs.

I think that the cost of entertainment of all sorts is completely out of control in our society. I want that to change. I am also delusional to think that will ever occur.

[pbmax]

I hope mediation fails.
I hope both sides become even more firm.
I hope a lockout occurs and carries into late September, at least.
I hope at least two months of the regular season are lost.
I hope fans lose interest and stay away when games return.

Only then will the players and owners realize that you really can kill the goose that is laying the golden eggs.

I think that the cost of entertainment of all sorts is completely out of control in our society. I want that to change. I am also delusional to think that will ever occur.

That's a tough one. Right now, the Hockey lockout is viewed as a success, despite a lost season. Player costs have gone down, but I am not sure prices have. Of course, the NFL has farther to fall. MLB took a hit for several years after canceling the World Series but while it cratered their TV ratings, attendance recovered first and I am doubtful there was much downward pressure on prices after the following two desultory seasons.

[MadScientist]

The worst thing for the NFL would be to let the fans find out that they can get by without football.

Back in the 80's baseball and football were nearly tied as the favorite sport of the fans. Then the 92 strike and the screwed up economics hit, and now football is way ahead. If they loose next season, they will feel the effects for years.

Also, how long will it take to recoup the $9 billion in lost revenue from a lost season?

[swede]

I hope mediation fails.
I hope both sides become even more firm.
I hope a lockout occurs and carries into late September, at least.
I hope at least two months of the regular season are lost.
I hope fans lose interest and stay away when games return.

Only then will the players and owners realize that you really can kill the goose that is laying the golden eggs.

I think that the cost of entertainment of all sorts is completely out of control in our society. I want that to change. I am also delusional to think that will ever occur.

Until we discover a generous vein of Unobtanium under the plains of Nebraska this country has a deflating economy among all things real. The only source of wealth we seem to have is the creation of products that have arbitrary cultural value. Are you the Alan Greenspan of this new, volatile economy? Tap the brakes firmly with a lockout so that the bubble deflates without ripping apart the product, is that the idea?

[Smidgeon]

Until we discover a generous vein of Unobtanium under the plains of Nebraska this country has a deflating economy among all things real. The only source of wealth we seem to have is the creation of products that have arbitrary cultural value. Are you the Alan Greenspan of this new, volatile economy? Tap the brakes firmly with a lockout so that the bubble deflates without ripping apart the product, is that the idea?

Well, either that or figure out a way to profitably export the NFL to the world...

[Patler]

Until we discover a generous vein of Unobtanium under the plains of Nebraska this country has a deflating economy among all things real. The only source of wealth we seem to have is the creation of products that have arbitrary cultural value. Are you the Alan Greenspan of this new, volatile economy? Tap the brakes firmly with a lockout so that the bubble deflates without ripping apart the product, is that the idea?

I guess I never quite looked at it that way, but yes, maybe I am!

[swede]

Well, either that or figure out a way to profitably export the NFL to the world...

Perhaps in 2026 I can expect the Super Bowl to be played at 4 a.m. after China outbids the West Coast for prime time rights.

[Patler]

Perhaps in 2026 I can expect the Super Bowl to be played at 4 a.m. after China outbids the West Coast for prime time rights.

The NFL would be OK with that. Every business has to nurture new customers and cater to their customer strength.

[Smidgeon]

Perhaps in 2026 I can expect the Super Bowl to be played at 4 a.m. after China outbids the West Coast for prime time rights.

I envision a future where There are 32 other teams outside the US. A week after the Super Bowl, the winner meets the winner of the international teams' World Bowl in the final game between the winners, heretofore called the Universe Bowl, to determine who really is the master of the cosmos. Bwa-ha-ha.

[Patler]

Now this is interesting. Drew Brees, who was at the meeting, contradicting the report by Jay Feeley, who wasn't at the meeting. Brees said nothing was derogatory or demeaning. Blown out of proportion.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Drew-Brees-downplays-Jerry-Richardsons-comments.html

In reality, I suspect they were insulted at the time, but realized after that negotiations do get emotional at times, both in what is said and in how it is interpreted. You can't take it personally.

[Guiness]

Now this is interesting. Drew Brees, who was at the meeting, contradicting the report by Jay Feeley, who wasn't at the meeting. Brees said nothing was derogatory or demeaning. Blown out of proportion.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Drew-Brees-downplays-Jerry-Richardsons-comments.html

In reality, I suspect they were insulted at the time, but realized after that negotiations do get emotional at times, both in what is said and in how it is interpreted. You can't take it personally.

The players continue to look like a bunch of rank amateurs. Feeley, who wasn't there, is releasing reports? Brees is one of the head guys for the players, and it's is first session? WTF?

If nothing else, the players need to get the membership in line, and let everyone know that they need to learn to say 'no comment' when asked questions about the CBA. Everyone blabbing their opinion just shows chinks in the armour.

If they don't get their shit together, the owners are going to have them for lunch. Indentured servitude (ok, at an average of $3million/year) is coming up.