The NFL Labor agreement and other thoughts.

For those that aren't particularly sports fans, you may not be aware of the fact that there may not BE an NFL season this year. Basically, this is boiling down to an argument between Billionaires (owners) and millionaires (players). Average Joe hates it when his everyday life is interrupted by the arguments of the ultra-rich.  The big news today is that 3 weeks before the deadline is that the 2 groups, the NFL owners and the NFLPA (players union) have agreed to non-binding mediation. This really means ultimately, nothing.  Because they are so far apart on the issues, they can't even be in the same room. In 2006, the owners signed a deal that they felt was unfair, ceding too much money to the players and they feel that they want more.  The player's union, much like anyone else, feel that once you give someone something, it is VERY difficult to take that away from them.  As a whole, in most disputes of this nature, I find myself siding with the players. Now, I have little in common with the average NFL player, I am not a genetic freak, I do not have the natural born skill that these players possess, and therefore, I do not sign multi-million dollar contracts for my services. However, I find I have more in common with the players, than I do with the billionaires that sign their checks.  There are lots of complex issues that the two parties do need to work out, but the NFL is held up as the Gold standard by other professional sports leagues and believe that they can weather any fallout from a delay to the start of the season. But when the Average Joes want to turn on their TV's and watch their games, or make their family trips to the games, or even plunk down a sizable chunk of cash for their season tickets, is it unreasonable to expect a full slate of games? As a whole...get your $#!* together. I have a fantasy football draft to study for. Hey, NFL, NFLPA, what about me???