NFL Labor Issue: 4 Billion Reasons Players and Fans Should Be Ticked Off

As we get deeper into the offseason and we approach the 2011 draft, we stand looking into an uncertain future as fans.

The owners and NFLPA are at odds over numerous issues and seem, at this point, like they are unable to reach an agreement on just about every issue.

So we, the fans—who use our tax dollars to fund stadiums, who purchase billions of dollars in NFL licensed apparel and memorabilia—sit and pray that we don't see a lockout.

4 Billion Reasons..................

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 4: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (C) and others arrives for an extra day of negotiations at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service building March 4, 2011 in Washington, DC. Representatives from the National Football League (NF

As if to further push us over the edge, it is revealed that they are actually going to argue over FOUR BILLION DOLLARS in revenues.

Let me make sure you understand the amount at hand—that is $4,000,000,000.00. Yes, you counted correctly, there are NINE zeros in this dollar figure. It is not like the owners or the players are living paycheck to paycheck.

In fact, USC (University of Southern California) only spent $6.6 million on its entire sports program. This figure represents the entire budget of every college in the country—not just their football team, their entire athletic division.

What Do You Mean NOT ENOUGH?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Clothes for sale with the Super Bowl XLV logo are displayed inside the Pro Shop at Cowboys Stadium before Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

What is absolutely ludicrous is that this is being argued as "not enough compensation," and that the NFL improperly negotiated BELOW market value in television negotiations, doing so with full knowledge that a lockout is likely.

Who takes the hit for this? The players and the fans! That's right, the guys who suit up and the people who show up to make the NFL the sports juggernaut that it is.

Strong-Arm Tactics

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: A giant flag with the Atlanta Falcons logo is seen on the field against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty I

Roger Goodell, current NFL commissioner, is as talented as any politician in saying what needs to be said to the right people at the right moment. However, his doublespeak is starting to catch up with him.

He holds the power, and told Atlanta that they would have to fund the NEW stadium if Atlanta wanted to the Super Bowl to return to their city. In his pitch, Goodell stated that the Super Bowl would promote economic growth in Atlanta by providing “thousands of jobs” and “hundreds of millions in revenue.”

The jobs would be temporary and short-term, and the revenue has been estimated at $150 million, so on both counts, Goodell spoke to appease Blank and the city of Atlanta, instead of being upfront and honest.

Again, it is about the money! A much more cost efficient option was put on the table, however, modifying the current stadium has been dismissed with extreme prejudice and Atlanta has been put on notice.

If Atlanta ever wants to see the Super Bowl played in their town again, they had better submit to the strong-arm tactics of the NFL commissioner and his corporate thugs.

Sharks in Expensive Suits

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 4: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (2R) and others arrives for an extra day of negotiations at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service building March 4, 2011 in Washington, DC. Representatives from the National Football League (N

As if to say “SCREW YOU” to both the players and the fans, the NFL, led by Goodell and a flock of money-driven corporate lawyers, has decided to use this FOUR BILLION DOLLARS as a bargaining chip.

The NFL and the 32 teams that comprise the AFC and NFC share revenue. In 2010, that revenue exceeded $6.5 billion dollars as reported by Plunkett Research Ltd. in Houston, Texas. Now, the NFL has decided to strong-arm the NFLPA, and will undoubtedly force a lockout over this $4 billion dollar fiasco.

We—the FANS—Pay the Bills

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DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 29: Football fans shop for officially licensed NFL merchandise at the NFL Shop while visiting the NFL Experience exhibit at the Dallas Convention Center on January 29, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The 850,000 square foot NFL theme park is

The players have the NFLPA to argue their side, and I am sure that many players will be quite vocal about this topic.

However, it is the fans who go unheard. It is the people who fill the stadiums and buy the jerseys that have no voice in this at all. The fans who live and breathe football, who make the game what it is, have no voice in this at all. The fans are already locked out, and it is time that the NFL fans made their voice known. It is time for fans to show that just as in politics “we the people” have the final say.

The NFL needs to hear in a resounding voice, a voice of unified discontent, that a lockout will have far more consequences than they dare believe. That if the fans are deprived of the right to sit in a bleacher—in 20-below freezing weather, with their faces painted, cheering on their team—that the whole season will be filled with empty seats and costly ticket refunds, and that the fans will hold the NFL and the owners responsible—not the players.

Fans, this is your place to sound off. Show the NFL who pays the bills. Say it loud, but have some class and don't just post remarks that demean or belittle the sport we love. ALL TOGETHER NOW!!!!