By Brittany Burke
No fan likes to hear rumors that a professional sports league is going to go on strike; a work stoppage means that the game we all love to watch may not be played. In the 1994-1995 season Major League Baseball went on strike for 232 days and in 2004 the National Hockey League lost its entire 2004-2005 season due to labor disputes.
Most recently the owners around the National Football League went to battle against their players…the ones who make them the billions each year. The possible lockout went from rumor to reality. I saw my beloved season slowly slipping away and myself, along with every other football fan, began to get nervous.
The various news outlets, sports blogs and twitter users began to question how long this lockout would last, and would it be resolved in time for the next regular season, or even the preseason.
It was announced today that Judge Susan Richard Nelson ruled in favor of the athletes, which means that they’re allowed to go back to work at their respective facilities. Judge Nelson’s ruling also shines a hopeful light on the 2011 football season. Allowing the players to go back to work is a minor step in resolving the ongoing battle. However, I am not completely convinced that I should be saving up for my Giants/Rams tickets just yet.
This ruling does not make the dispute between the players and owners go away. The athletes are still looking for a better way to divide up the multi-billion dollar industry, and the owners are still unwilling to find a middle ground.
While Judge Nelson’s orders put a stop to the lockout, there is still a chance for the owners to appeal her decision, which would again put the athletes and fans in season limbo.
Some may claim that even with the draft starting this week, the lockout will have no real effect on the season, but I can’t help but worry. The longer the players and athletes remain at odds, the greater chance there is that the regular season may get cut.
A season-ending lockout effects more than the athletes and front office. It’s a trickledown effect, and while the latest ruling is a step forward, it’s a small step and I wouldn’t start making your season plans just yet.