NFL Lockout: Judge Susan Nelson Rules in Favor of Players, Lifts Lockout

For those that don't know, the NFL lockout is officially over. At least, for right now.

From Y! Sports:

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In a ruling that was expected — and expected today — Judge Susan Richard Nelson has ruled for the players in the Brady v. NFL case, not only lifting the lockout, but refusing to grant a stay pending an appeal. The more conservative ruling would have been to stay the injunction and prevent any action between now and the inevitable process in the Court of Appeals, but initial reports indicate that she has not done so.

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For those who have no idea what this means, this is huge—the NFL is basically re-established, and free agency, practices, trades and mini-camp can resume.

Of course, the owners are going to appeal. But as of right now, the NFL up and running. Scramble as much as you can, NFL General Managers, because this might not last forever.

Basically, this is a victory for the players, as nothing has changed. There was some regulated and observed mediation between owners and players, so you have to wonder if the courts saw the owners as "greedy" as we all thought they were. Either that, or Al Davis came to the meeting. Eww.

The owners are going to throw a hissy-fit. We all know this. But finally, the fans are getting what they want, as America's most profitable sport is now in operation.

Rejoice, NFL fans. Because though this might not last forever, it's a very, very big step towards not missing the New Orleans-Green Bay matchup scheduled as the first game of the season.

I'll be posting details as we go along, y'all.

Carlos Sandoval is co-host of weekly NFL podcast The Pigeon Toe. You can check out the latest episode here, or follow him on Twitter.