NYT: NFL Players Preparing for Chance the Checks Will Stop

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/sports/football/06lockout.html?_r=1

By KEN BELSON
Published: February 5, 2011

DALLAS — In the best of times, some N.F.L. players have trouble saving their money. Because of an urge to help family and friends, or an inability to sock away some of their paychecks, a distressing number of athletes end up with little in the bank at the end of their careers.

N.F.L. players may be forced to take on more financial stress March 4, the day after the current collective bargaining agreement expires. The owners have threatened to lock out the players if they cannot forge a new deal to replace the current one, which the owners say is too favorable to the players.

If the owners shut their doors, players will not receive hundreds of millions of dollars in salary advances and signing and roster bonuses, and free agents, rookies and other players will not be able to sign new contracts. Players (or their union) will also have to start paying for their own health care, a significant cost for players with families or injuries that need regular treatment.

The league’s 2,000 or so players should not be surprised by the prospect of having their financial spigot turned off. Since he became the executive director of the N.F.L. Players Association in March 2009, DeMaurice Smith has urged his union members to set aside extra money in case of a lockout.

FULL story at link.

[liberal N proud]

1. They can't all have car dealerships any more

It used to seem like every other car dealership in the country was a former NFL player.

[Esse Quam Videri]

2. The owners hold all of the cards right now.

They really won't start to experience any loss in revenue until the August preseason. That may be a long 6 months for some of the players.

[Statistical]

5. Even then the TV contracts are "game or no game"

NFL is still paid 100% full TV run rate even when no game shows. The networks were idiots to sign a deal like that but they did.
TV revenue makes up about 30% of total NFL revenue so they will be hurting but guaranteed money will be coming in the door.

[madokie]

3. It started in earnest with raygun

and it'll end when there is no more UNIONs period anywhere in any occupation.

[KharmaTrain]

4. 1987 All Over Again...

I stand with the players on most of the issues...the owners will try to break the union once again like they did in '87. They're banking on people jonsing from not seeing football and blame the "greedy players"....and I suspect the tactic will work; especially now during tough times. People look at the large amounts of money involved and wish a pox on all their houses.

That said, the last thing you'll get any sympathy is about a player who makes 1 or 5 or 10 million and squandering it. Of course this article doesn't mention the 25% or more that goes to a high power agent. It also doesn't take into consideration the side money many of these players make in commercial endorsements. It's hard for someone who is barely getting by on a fraction of that money to be too sympathetic...a large majority will never be able to see yet alone earn that kind of money.

Maybe football will learn what hockey and baseball did when they shut down...life moves on. While the diehards will go through withdrawls, the majority of us will be just fine and spend our time and money on other things.

[trumad]

7. You might want to read this

before you lump all the players into one.

It might enlighten you.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/2/6/940677/-NFL-lockout:-No-more-football-in-2011

[KharmaTrain]

9. It's The Perception...

As I stated above I stand with the NFLPA for many of the reasons the DKos and other articles on this money grab by the owners. What I'm refering to is the intangible of public opinion that the owners are banking on to be negative on the players and paint them in that "lump" you refer to...the "greedy players".

[trumad]

10. and it's already working here at DU...

a place where you'd think there would be enlightened progressives who would investigate a bit before they start calling the players---IE: the owners employees, selfish.

[Omaha Steve]

13. Thank you for posting this

I didn't see it.

[TBF]

6. In solidarity with the players and their union, though I'm sure we'll see

many here at DU trying to knock them down.

[trumad]

8. Check post 7

I agree 100 percent with you...

There are many on this progressive forum who really don't get it.

[msongs]

11. NFL is the modern day equivalent to the gladiators of ancient Rome. Entertainment for the masses nt

[notesdev]

12. Maybe if there's no more NFL

people will start actually paying attention to things that matter