Court Issues Ruling: NFL Lockout Is Legal

by Joel Thorman on Jul 8, 2011 9:53 AM CDT

Several weeks ago the NFL and NFLPA went before the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and stated their case for why the NFL lockout is legal (NFL's argument) and why it is not legal (NFLPA's argument). After the oral arguments, the courts said they would issue a ruling in due time but encouraged the two sides to reach their own agreement because whatever they decided would be a decision that neither side would like.

And with the two sides making reported progress on a new labor agreement to end the lockout, the 8th Circuit has made their ruling -- the NFL lockout is legal. It favors the owners and gives them some more leverage at the moment.

But will the NFL use that leverage? The two sides have been negotiating and gotten to the point where some are suggesting that the framework of a deal can be completed within the next week.

Ideally, the two sides take a little time to take in the 34-page ruling and then get back to the negotiating table. The final verdict wasn't unexpected -- it's what many thought would happen -- but the timing of the ruling is a bit of a surprise as many figured the 8th Circuit wouldn't rule with the two sides apparently close to an agreement.

So this isn't totally unexpected. The timing of it is, but this is the ruling we thought was coming. Let's hope both sides take a look at it and then decide to carry on.

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carry on my wayward son ... there'll be peace when you are done ...

labor peace, that is

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hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Jul 8, 2011 10:08 AM CDT reply actions

You know I agree ups

This is a great ruling…

Let’s get our rookies some play books, and get them one on one time with the coaches.

Free Agents should be able to start touring the country. This is a good thing. Though I wonder which free agents can do what?

Any definition on that yet Joel Thorman?

meh...

by Chief-blinders-on on Jul 8, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions

scary............

I was thinking the same thing…………

Providing COLOR commentary for Arrowhead Pride!

by LadyChief on Jul 8, 2011 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Free Agents/Rookie Loophole

Almost seems like it was negotiated or planned. Would certainly be nice if teams could move ahead with free agency, signing rookies, and looking at UDFA’s.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Jul 8, 2011 10:16 AM CDT reply actions

Andrew Brandt just said

it won’t open up a signing period, just knocks it back to Judge Nelson to rule.

by Chief Willie Wildcat on Jul 8, 2011 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Was there really any doubt that the court was going to side with a multi-billion dollar business?

by Budd Jones on Jul 8, 2011 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

Is this a win for the owners though... probably

Yes the lockout is legal now.

Now the players will pursue there anti trust law suit if there is no agreement, and you have free agents and rookies. Going to teams door to door asking for contracts and playbooks.

I don’t see them celebrating this victory too much. Hopefully they will just use the advantage to get the players to cross the gap in the talks, then everyone wins.

A deal will be made soon.

meh...

by Chief-blinders-on on Jul 8, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Of course! Now that it's legal Clark wouldn't drag it out and milk it for every last cent.

Nah he wouldn’t do that! CHIEFS!!

by APs Pure Idiot Homer on Jul 8, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I hope I'm wrong, but...

…I can see a situation developing where this hurts the current, on-going talks. If the owners feel they have a stronger position (which this ruling gives them), then they may hold off compromising with the NFLPA.

Just when you thought things were looking up…

by Chief_Elmo on Jul 8, 2011 11:24 AM CDT reply actions

I don't think this will ruin the ongoing talks.

If anything, I think things will get done faster. The owners don’t want to miss the preseason, and the players are now probably more likely to give a little. I think this ruling came at the perfect time. Hopefully it will pave way for a deal to get finalized in the next 7 days.

by Vince D on Jul 8, 2011 11:30 AM CDT reply actions