NFL Lockout: Judge Forces Mediation, Set for Thursday Between NFL, Players

In case you guys didn't know, there's no such thing as the NFL right now.

There's a lockout, meaning players can't talk to coaches, mini-camps can't be arranged and NFL players can smoke all the pot they want without getting suspended by the league. 

However, we might see things come to an end soon (hopefully).

According to Judy Battista, NFL writer for the New York Times, mediation is set to begin Thursday, under the watchful eye of Judge Arthur Boylan.

Of course, this may not solve anything. The players and the league both agreed to a one-week extension prior to the original expiration of the CBA.

Obviously, nothing got done, with the NFLPA dissipating, and an anti-trust lawsuit following.

But this is progress. The league and players will be forced to work with one another under the eyes of a judge, who'll get to see which side doesn't want to play fair, and which is the most open.

After that, they'll get a better understanding of both sides, and will be able to accurately label one side as the "greedy bastards" in a fair manner.

However, as NFL fans, we shouldn't be hoping for that. We should be hoping for an absolute agreement. One which will end this silly lockout, ridiculous pleas to sway public opinion and horrible drama that mirrors a middle school setting.

Because we want football, and getting them to agree is the biggest step towards having it.