NFL Lockout: Why It Is Time For Players to Grow Up

Earlier this week, the owners of all 32 NFL teams approved what could ultimately be a new labor deal.  All it needed was the players' approval, and the NFL lockout would end.  Instead of voting on the proposed deal on July 21, the players have decided to "work through the weekend" to make sure that the deal is the right one for them.

Naturally, the only "issues" that remain to be agreed upon are money-related.  Players are seeking some form of compensation from insurance money the owners received from TV networks in case the season ended up being canceled, as well as general benefits.

This is the part of negotiations that really burns me up.  This lockout has been going on since March, and while I was quick to blame the owners first, I'm changing my tune now.  At this point, the only thing preventing a new CBA and thus the start of the 2011-2012 season is the greed of DeMaurice Smith and the NFLPA.

Yes, the players had some significant grievances beforehand.  I'll be the first to admit that the NFL's treatment of retired players was atrocious and was elated when it was announced that under the new deal, players could remain in the league's health insurance program for life.

Yet, at this point, the players are just being immature and refusing to play until the owners acquiesce to every last demand.

Um...OK.  Last I checked, the owners were the ones who signed the checks.  That being said, the players are in zero place to make demands.

Right now, I would like to personally reach out to any players who might read B/R on a regular basis.  Football is a game that you grew up playing, loving every minute of it. Your love for this game was great enough for you to make it your career.

If you truly love this game, then money shouldn't be an object.  If making one or two million less a year is catastrophic, then you clearly aren't managing your finances well.  I'm sorry if that is harsh, but you understand mine and everyone else's frustration.

That all being said, it's time to approve a new labor deal.  No more players calling out owners for prematurely voting and no more drawing this process out.  It is time to cut your losses and get back on that field.

As Don Corleone said in The Godfather, "This war stops now."

At that point, we can finally put this ugly lockout behind us and enjoy what is sure to be a great NFL season.  All that has to be done is a simple vote, and the fans will once again roar.