"Leave me out of it!" (My message to the NFL and Players Union)

[AvengerRam]

Over the next few weeks or months, the NFL owners and Players Union will periodically make public comments on the labor negotiations. These comments will be designed, to a large extent, to influence public opinion on the issue. Stated simply, both sides will try to paint the other as the reason for the problems.

My message to both sides is simple: KEEP ME OUT OF IT!

I don't care about the details of the negotiation. Like many fans, the squabbling of millionaires and billionaires over the divison of money is of no concern to me.

Sure, I have opinions about some of the core issues. I'm not a big fan of the 18 game schedule. I do think there should be a hard salary cap and a rookie scale. I fully support efforts to bolster the pension programs for ex-players.

But, at the end of the day, all I really care about is that the 2011 season start on time.

Maybe the NFL shouldn't really care about fans like me. After all, I've stuck with the game through lockouts and strikes before.

But what about the young fans and the casual fans?

Is it really worth risking their interest in the game?

So, keep your press releases to yourself. I'm not interested. Just tell me when you have a deal, and assure me it won't interfere with free agency, training camp and the regular season.

Any other outcome will be blamed on both sides equally.

Just get it done.

[Keenum]

Just get it done.

This times infinity.

[berg8309]

Out of all the issues, it really comes down to how much of the pie does each side get. 18 game schedule? Rookie cap? non-issues for players if they are getting enough money. Of course owners want them because they want the money for themselves.

I know a fair amount labor law and the bargaining process however, and I am anxious to see what happens.