Decertification...Pending Lockout....New Stadium??

Ok well the Vikings quest for a new stadium took another turn down an even bumpier road today, but one that is still passable. After extending the current CBA 1 week last week to continue negotiations that had been making progress, everything came to a standstill today.

Although the owners made numerous concessions and wanted to continue negotiations the union refused to continue unless owners provided 10 years of completely audited financials for the league which is completely unrealistic. The owners did agree to provide the union with P & L statements which should have been sufficient. They recoginzed concerns of the union regarding an 18 game schedule and agreed to put that off at least 2 years while continuing to negotiate the issue. With regards to a rookie salary cap they agreed to a reduction in 1st round money and transferring those wages to veterans on payroll with no reductions in rounds 2-7. They agreed to split the compensation gap with each side conceeding to meet in the middle. Finally they agreed to a legacy fund for the medical costs of retired players with owners putting in $82 mil over 2 years. Overall a pretty accomodating position by ownership.

The end result was the union decertifying and no longer representing players and will continue to exist only as a trade association. Their next step is to file anti trust lawsuits to prevent a lockout. However this appears to be there intent from the beginning and not negotiating in good faith. Without the benefit of being a lawyer or having the benefit of knowledge of all laws governing this situation, it would appear to me that the NFL rather than risk anti trust rulings should declare an impasse then unilaterally impose new rules. Do not lockout. There is no longer a union to negotiate with by the players own choosing therefore they are individual employees subject to work rules and conditions imposed by their employers within the law. They no longer have collective rights. Time to move on and get ready for the draft.

This however is only my opinion and a theory I would love to see tested as unions are legalized mafia using bullying tactics and driving up the price of everything and driving down the quality, including in pro sports.

What impact would this have on a new stadium? Bottom line probably not much although it might create more animosity and nervousness. Provisions could be put into a final bill delaying implementation until a new CBA is in place if desired by the legislature. The important thing is to get a bill passed this session.

REMEMBER THE NORTH STARS!!