Peyton won his record 4th MVP award, Chris Johnson revived the belief that a running back can rule a game, an undrafted player proved NFL dreams can come true, a 65-year old QB had his best statistical season in his first ballot hall of fame career, and the Saints, one of the most unfortunate teams in sports history, rode a “Who dat?” wave to supremacy. Hope you enjoyed all that, cuz now you’re gonna see some stupid sh*t. With no salary cap (or bottom) in place this coming season, we’re gonna see the worst money squabbles in history, leading to, I predict, NO NFL IN 2011. Even whatever God you pray to is crying right now. (How else can you explain that it’s sunny in Vancouver, but people are still wearin’ scarves?)
The salary cap was $127 million. But the least you could spend was $111 million. So basically, if you’re a fan of small-market teams, like the Jags or Bucs, they ain’t gonna do sh*t with free-agency, with the big dogs straight up N.Y. Yankeein’ the situation, ala the Skins, Cowboys, and Jets. One of the most overlooked situations is that the “restricted” free agents (players their teams have first dibs on) can hold out of training camp as long as they want! No “collective bargaining agreement” in place? No contract, no fine! Anarchy b*tches! Not to mention up-and-coming superstars aren’t gonna get the money the deserve, like franchise/league top players Darrelle Revis (CB, Jets) or Patrick Wills (MLB, 49ers). Everyone agrees athletes make too much money, but look at the guys that make twice the cash of these two: they don’t change games. Or dictate them. Or deserve HALF of what these guys make.
I do agree with cuttin’ the RIDICULOUS salaries that the 1-7 picks in the draft get, because who knows what a JaMarcus Russell or Chris Long or five of the top pass-rushers from the last couple drafts are gonna do? Bottom line is, that sh*t needs to be curbed, because it’s making bad teams stay bad if they waste $30-45 million every year (see: Detroit Lions ) on a “I hope he’s our savior” player. Veterans know that these stupid rookie contracts drive up player salaries, which make them hate that rook, and inturn ruin a locker room, but then all veterans think the owners are wrong, mainly because they obviously don’t tell the truth about their books.
Bottom line is both sides are at an impass, and they have both forgotten that the fans, that don’t care about this stupid argument, make this football world go ‘round. And, most of these fans have nothing BUT football to ease the unfortunate happenings in this economy-stricken time. Please, PLEASE, give us football, because we always give back. Maybe not in pure stats, because we don’t have as much money right now, but it’s more wide-spread than ever (speaking as a Canadian) and we need you. More than ever. I heard your revenue is down 2% from last year? We’ll make it up to you. You’ve lost less than ANYONE in North America. Trust me. More football gear is being purchased in BC than ever. We’re NFL country, and you probably never thought twice about the NHL lockout? That devastated people. You shut down a season for the NFL followers? I see bad things happening to people. America and Canada. Ever thought about payin’ us back? In the the day and age of cities closing down and people using their teams as something to look forward to each week… Be there. Your fans are counting on you. Go football. PLEASE.
