This is one of the best times of the year for NFL fans. We are getting set for the greatest sporting event on the planet, the Super Bowl! Parties are being planned and friendly wagers are being placed. Great fun for everyone!
But this year there is a shadow being cast over the festivities, the looming lockout threatened by NFL owners. That's right, if there is not a new collective bargaining agreement in place by March 4, the owners will lock players out.
There are several things causing this squabble: players' salaries and a new 18-game schedule, to name a couple. But basically, it's billionaires arguing with millionaires over who gets more money.
The NFL is king of the hill right now. Its popularity is at an all-time high, and a lot of the credit for that has to go to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. But his latest effort to help has me a bit baffled. He says he will reduce his salary to a dollar if there is a work stoppage.
Sounds good. After all, he makes about $10 million a year. But what does that have to do with getting a deal in place? I know if I had made $10 million a year for several years, I probably would not starve if I had to go a year without pay!
Instead of showboating for the public with this worthless salary plea, Goodell needs to get to work and get a deal done. He has tremendous respect from both sides to push this process along.
After all, let's not forget the real losers if a lockout happens: The fans!
