Oakland Raiders Must Focus on Dynamic 2011, Since NFL Lockout Is a Knockout

The main thing the Oakland Raiders need to do is to stay in shape and prepare for a dynamic 2011 season. The negotiations are filled with changes, but the Raiders need to stay focused on what happens on the playing field. Let's hope these many months of negotiations have not distracted the Raiders from staying in shape.

Since the Oakland Raiders have a new head coach, we realize that his tenure has been disadvantaged by the limited contact with his team because of the NFL lockout. Let's hope this is an impetus to Coach Jackson and that he rises far above the challenges associated with the 2011 lockout.

Some owners are still fighting the proposal for changes, while others are supporting the idea of giving from 46 to 48 percent of all revenue to the players. Here is an excerpt listing many of proposed changes. The source of the quote is ESPN.

The Quote

Proposed CBA Details

Details of a proposed collective bargaining agreement being pitched to NFL owners Tuesday, according to sources:

• Players get 48 percent of "all revenue."

• Players' share will never dip below 46.5 percent, under new formula being negotiated.

• Teams required to spend close to 100 percent of the salary cap.

• Rookie wage scale part of deal but still being "tweaked."

• Four years needed for unrestricted free-agent status. Certain tags will be retained, but still being discussed.

• 18-game regular season designated only as negotiable item and at no point is mandated in deal.

• Full 16-game Thursday night TV package beginning in 2014.

• Owners still will get some expense credits that will allow funding for new stadiums.

• Retirees to benefit from improved health care, pension benefits as revenue projected to double to $18 million by 2016.

-- ESPN's Chris Mortensen, John Clayton and Adam Schefter

An Opinion

One source said that the lockout needs to end by July 14, 2011. Today is July 1, 2011 and there is still a stalemate.

A lot of good can come out of this situation, but at the moment, the lockout is causing a "knockout" and a blow to the spirit of some fans in the Raider Nation. The lockout needs to end, and the practice and games needs to begin!