http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Welcome-to-Courtroom-Football.html What could the NFL have done differently? The NFL’s initial offer to the NFLPA to reduce the players’ share $1 billion, or 18% below the previous agreement hovered over this negotiation like a dark cloud. Although the owners made significant moves in the last hours of the talks, it was too late. The players were full on with the disrespect card. In addition to the lowball offer, the players felt ignored, talked down to, and were left waiting throughout the mediation process. Negotiations are business, but these became personal. And the talks never recovered from that. What could the NFLPA have done differently? DeMaurice Smith is a skillful and passionate orator ready to take on NFL owners. However, Smith could have still been unyielding without being combative. As the saying goes: “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. NFL officials were saying that Smith “digs litigation,” a mocking comment that was unfortunate to hear about the leader of the league’s most important partner.
Yet another reason to be disgusted with the players. They want to play in business, but don't know how. Take your millions, STFU, and play football.
When D. Smith compared the negotiations to war, I knew we were in trouble. Can someone tell me one instance where a negotiation has done well with that attitude. If you go in seeking retribution for the past without realizing that there will inevitably be a future, you're ****ed. The guy just strikes me a guy who gets under your skin. Smug or something. I don't know the right word for it. These guys get their kicks from the fight, not actually a solution and seem satisfied only when there has been enough blood letting. I'm not siding for either side; they're both ****ed in the head. But this guy just strikes me as a pain in the ***.
Someone really needs to compile a time-line thread with impartial (as possible) news articles leading up to this.
Greedy Bastards Group 1 wants more money from Greedy Bastards Group 2, GBG 2 doesn't want to give it up. GBG 2 wants things themselves. GBG 1 doesn't want to give in to GBG 2. GBG and GBG 1 give each other the finger and decide to let a judge figure it out. I think that covers everything.
trying to take 1 billion dollars away from the players seems to hit home personally to them id say.....
