Monday, 28 February 2011

How to Weather the NFL Lockout - Strike Blues


     The reality of an NFL Lockout/Strike seems like a foregone conclusion to me. A few days ago I outlined scenarios by which a lockout or strike can happen and its potential consequences. And I’m optimistic. Really I am. But we do need to consider the possibility of no NFL football next season. If it can happen to the NHL, it can happen to the NFL.
     When I first considered what life would be like sans NFL, I asked some acquaintances to shoot me. But then I realized that it doesn’t have to be so bad. Consider some options.

1.     Watch more college football. Sure, it doesn’t happen on Sundays, they’re not pros, and you don’t get nationally televised Monday night games. But these are the players of the future. Many of these guys will be playing in the NFL. The beauty is that they don’t get paid anyway – what are they going to do, go on strike?
2.     Watch the Canadian Football League. Stop laughing. I’m serious. Their season begins in July. It lacks the frills—and the downs!—that the NFL has, but it’s actually a very good product. The fact that guys like Ricky Williams played there while he couldn’t play in the NFL says something. In fact, you might need to watch the CFL to see your favorite NFL players if the strike pay dries up quickly.
3.     Get the NFL Network. Okay, that’s a tease. Some of you can’t get the NFL Network. But if you can access it, you will be well-served. And if you’re a football history buff, you can enjoy historical programs that are run.


So if the millionaire players and the billionaire owners haven’t settled their differences by September, you have plenty of options. Let’s show those guys that we’re not at their mercy!

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Will There be an NFL Lockout in 2011?

     Everyone is worried about the NFLPA and the league not working out a new CBA. Will there be a lockout? A strike? Well, let’s look at a few scenarios.


     The owners can lock the players out on March 4, 2011. Or the players can take a powder on the very same day. Neither means that there will be no football in 2011. A lockout or a strike can still be ironed out by the beginning of the season.

     However, a strike or lockout can eat into OTA’s, training camp and the pre-season.

     What does this mean for season ticket holders? Well, chances are you will get a refund. I’ve been told by the Buffalo Bills that I will receive a full refund on my tickets for games missed. Alternatively I can credit those tickets for future games. Also, I can pay for my package in four installments instead of the usual three.

     If you’re a Personal Seat Licence (PSL) owner . . . I’m sorry, but I think you might take the worst hit in this debacle.

     In any event, don’t worry! There are tons of ways to beat the NFL strike blues!