The NFL Thread (with added College Football)

[ADVILLAFAN]

Ooo, I thought it was a Yankees player. Look at me, baseball statto.

Apparently he is unable to feed himself.

[UK Redsox]

A-Rod normally gets his energy boost by injection

[cdbearsfan]

Why do so many baseball players take drugs? Surely the game is about timing and natural talent more than raw speed? Obviously I can work out why competitors roid up in cycling or athletics.

[Comrade Blitz]

Why do so many baseball players take drugs? Surely the game is about timing and natural talent more than raw speed? Obviously I can work out why competitors roid up in cycling or athletics.

<<<<Reply moved to baseball thread>>>>

[UK Redsox]

Thank's Comrade for moving that to the Baseball thread. My reply is there as well

[pmarachi]

A-Rod normally gets his energy boost by injection

Uses the same needle as Big Papi...

Who strangley enough never had to explain himself the way Arod did...

hmmmm... more media favoritism of the sox it seems.


OH! FOOTBALL!

Tate Forcier transfering to the U!!!

Michigan to Miami
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6105876

[cdbearsfan]

So... is there actually a chance they won't play next season?

[UK Redsox]

So... is there actually a chance they won't play next season?

Owners and NFLPA have extended the talks, so things are looking hopeful

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6181794

The doubts over the 2011 season is why there's no Wembley game on the schedule yet for this year.

I don't think that a final decision has been made yet but I would be pleasantly surprised if there was a game

[cdbearsfan]

I think Germany deserves a game. They were the most passionate fans of NFL Europe.

[UK Redsox]

I think Germany deserves a game. They were the most passionate fans of NFL Europe.

Its always puzzled me as to why London gets an NFL game but Berlin or somewhere in the Rhine area hasn't.

When NFL Europe was coming to an end, it was basically just a German league.

[cdbearsfan]

Or maybe the International Series game will be in Dublin?

[UK Redsox]

Or maybe the International Series game will be in Dublin?

Notre Dame played in Dublin a few years ago

[pmarachi]

What's NFL Europe?

[UK Redsox]

What's NFL Europe?

You're kidding, aren't you Paul ?

Have you seriously not heard of NFL Europe ?

[UK Redsox]

Its not looking good for a 2011-12 season.

Here's a message that I had by email .............

Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.   

 

Yours,
Roger Goodell

It was nice of the Commissioner to write to me personally like that !!


Although I'd be disappointed if some or all of the season was lost, I would like to see the NFL forced to change its business practices. The NFL is allowed to get away with things that would normally be considered "restraint of trade" (eg minimum age, the Draft etc).