I have given up trying to predict what is going to happen in this case. These are the likely scenarios;
- The 8th circuit rules against the NFL’s appeal and forces the league to open its doors around mid July and we get back to football under a new set of rules that have yet to be determined.
- The 8th circuit keeps the stay in place and overturns Judge Nelsons decision- the lockout stays in place- giving the owners even more leverage and we miss weeks or months of the 2011 season.
- Judge Doty rules in a separate case massive damages against the NFL which then forces them to offer a fair deal to the players and we get a new CBA and don’t miss any games.
- The 8th circuit rules against the appeal and Doty rules against the NFL with damages and they negotiate in good faith and a new CBA is reached in time to miss games.
- The lockout has been a disaster on all sides of the negotiations. For the owners they’ve lost the faith of the fans, the players, agents, and a lot of coaches. The uncertainty related to the entire situation has left a 9billion dollar business in limbo. Veteran players have now been affected for 2 years based on the uncapped years rules, the 30% rule, and now no free agency. Add to that the draft happening before free agency and several players will never get to realize their true market value and potential. For undrafted players its a lack of an opportunity and the uncertainty that goes with not knowing who your team is, when or if you will get a fair shot to compete for a job, and how to prepare. For the drafted players that didn’t get playbooks or to meet with their coaching staff they have a tremendous disadvantage as it relates to competing for a job, learning the system, and making the transition into the NFL.
Q: What do you think the biggest issue for the players is, in regards to getting a new CBA done?
- The players never wanted this. They were and are happy with the previous system that was collectively bargained for in 2006. The owners didn’t like that deal and felt like now was a good time to try and break the system and the players. There are numerous issues that are all part of the difficulty in getting a new deal. Obviously the revenue share and a fair split of all proceeds is the biggest but even if that is worked out there are other issues such as the 18 game schedule, health and insurance benefits, cash vs cap, and more that have to be resolved to get a fair CBA finalized.
Q: We have seen some teams conduct workouts with teammates, and start practicing. While some teams like the Green Bay Packers are all working out individually. Which method do you think will be more helpful?
-I don’t like players working out without the protection of their contracts. Any player injured during this time period is jeopardizing his entire contract. The joint workouts are even worse because the group of players is having most teammates sign a waiver of liability which is having NFL players give up even more rights. The entire situation is messy and there is not easy way to dissect it. Obviously you want your clients in the best possible shape for if or whenever this ends but I am hopeful that any player injured during this time still has his contract honored by the team
Q: One of your clients Eric Weddle had an outstanding season last year. But was not given a shot at the Pro Bowl. Is the voting system flawed and if so, how would you try and fix it?
- I cant stand the fan voting part of the process because it becomes a popularity contest and the alternate process is flawed as well but to ask the fans to not participate or to change the system isn't very likely so we just accept it and move on. Its not a fair barometer of the best players in the league year in and year out. The media who cover the league and the coaches who play against these players have a far better understanding of who is worthy.
Q: Let's talk about some of the guys you represent who were drafted this year in the NFL. What type of players do you think they can be?
-We had one client drafted and several will sign as free agents. Our draft pick Doug Hogue is an outstanding human being which is the number one trait we look for when we talk to young men about representation. He got drafted in the 5th round by the Lions and really could not have gone to a better team, situation, coaching staff, or defense. I think he will be a core special teams player right off the bat and will push to start very early on. Once he is settled in I can see him having a huge impact up there on that defense.
Q: In a recent article you said you believe CB Sean Smith has made huge strides in training and working to improve his game. How good of a player can he be this year, and what type of things has he done this off-season to get better?
- I think Sean is an elite corner and adds massive versatility to any defense. He has lined up at corner and nickel/ dime safety. His size and speed and great technique have continued to get better in the league and if he didn't drop so many interceptions he would be being talked about as one of the top ten corners in the NFL. That’s where his game is headed and I think next season he will be seen as one of the best pure lock down man corners in the NFL. He is working incredibly hard to get better everyday and its been a pleasure to see him grow and mature as a player but also as a professional.
Q: The UFL has made strides to get more public support and build a larger fan base. Things like holding the draft on Twitter, and having former NFL Players like Daunte Culpepper and Jeff Garcia. What type of opportunities do you think the UFL gives to younger undrafted players. I think that the UFL’s business model has some good aspects, such as tweeting the draft picks but their inability to offer competitive wages (40k) per year and their legal and financial issues have me very concerned. They have a lot of uncertainty surrounding the league and agents like me haven’t even received our fees from the league from last season. In the end if they can get their money situation corrected I still feel like playing from April to August or even March to August gives them the best chance to make a mark on pro football and expand the league. Until they get their money, sponsor, TV, radio, and other marketing corrected I am skeptical at best that the league will survive another 3-5 years.
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