Letter from Roger Goodell

[KATK9]

This was in my inbox, and thought I would share it with everyone.

Dear NFL Fan,

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.


Yours,
Roger Goodell

[JonM229]

Did you respond with "Blow it out your ass"?

Because you should

[Texasteel]

As incompetent as I believe Roger Goodell is, and I think he is the worse I have seen in any sport, I thing there is plenty blame to go around. Is seems that we, the fans, are caught in a game of posturing and public relations. I think it is safe to say that we are not getting the full story from either side, and if you think they are acting in the best interest of the fans, forget that notion.

The sad part is that the fans that feel so helpless in this whole thing have the largest hammer in the game. If the fan would just stay away from the game for a while I think I can guarantee that both owners and player alike would think two or three times before they let this happen again.

If starting with the pre-season games the fans would stay away for the game for two week of the regular season for every one that is missed because of this insanity, I promise it would catch the attention of both greedy parties. I mean not only leave the stadiums empty but picket the stadiums to tell them just why there are not butts in the seats. Do not buy anything from the NFL stores, and even go as far as to boycott and company's that has sponsored the NFL in the past. If the NFL missed 4 pre-season games that means they would loose one half of the season.

This may be a little over the top, but do you like the bullshit we are putting up with now? NFL fans are the most loyal fans there are, and we constantly get kicked in the stomach by two parties that make more money that most of the well to do fans can imagine. I know this is not going to happen. For one thing some season ticket holders that gave up there seat might never get them back. But it is a thought.


Just blowing off a little steam.

[stillers4me]

I can understand the reaction to want to boycott everything NFL, but in the end it's the middle man and the little guy that will suffer for it. The retailers, the manufacturers, their workers, the small business owners, the waiters and the hotel workers....and on and on. That's what a boycott really does. The NFl has already gotten their money for the merchandise by the time we pay for it.

[Texasteel]

Believe me, I do not want to hurt any of the innocent bystanders that depend on the NFL for a living, but I see no concern for these folks out of the Players or Owners either. I'm not suggesting a boycott that last more than a few week. Just a good solid slap in the face. I for one am tired of these clown fighting over who will be filthy rich, and who will be unbelievably filthy rich. I know that not all player are making multimillion dollar contracts but if you look at the guy that does nothing but show up, he is making way above the average worker. I'm not just down on the players either. These owners don't pay 100 millions dollars for a team because it is loosing money.

The fan is something that the league feels they have a right to. We will always be there, and there will be no consequences to over anything they do to us. I just wish there was a way to show these clowns that the will be a reckoning, and that the fans in deed can fight back. You mess with the sponsors money, you mess with the TV money. You mess with the TV money, and you will have the NFLs attention. After all that seems to be the only thing important to they people.

Like I said, I'm just blowing off at the mouth. I would probably feel better if you had just one good shot at one of them. Preferably Mr. Goodell.

[ALLD]

I believe the players would take the current deal the owners are offering IF Goodell was not the commissioner. I don't trust the owners and I am just a fan. I saw what they tried to do to James Harrison and I am sure other disputes went just as deep.