In really no other industry on the planet do you have such a line drawn between employee and employer. Even with you get a strike with a blue collar jobs you don't have the assembly line worker going on the national news network absolutely blasting their boss. Nor do you have so much outside influence, there aren't millions of fans watching on the edge of their seats as the 100th Ford Explorer rolls off the line.
With the nation and millions of fans watching, it is within both sides interest to gain the support of their fanatic admirers.
Realistically it is the player's support to lose, as those are who we see out on the field every Sunday. Those are the people that bring tears to our eyes when we see them reach their life long dream. When they that classic story of fighting adversity to play the game they love. We as fans empathize with that, we put ourselves in their shoes.
Owners don't have that ability. When is the last time you saw Jerry Jones and thought "I can relate to that". When can you say that as you hear of Paul Allen boarding his private jet so he can go on a cruise with his 300 foot yacht you thought to yourself, "brings back memories"?
The owners aren't stupid, they know this. That is why they go dark, sparingly talk to the media and let the players lose your support, rather than them trying to steal it away. They lay and wait like a Lion in the bushes, wait for one of their prey to wonder from the heard, then they strike!
You can already see the herd of 1696 players splitting apart. Just as you see the pride of 32 owners lay and wait.
So far there have been two players that are starting to hurt their herd, along with their group leader not doing them any favors.
- Adrian Peterson comparing his multi million dollar a year contract to the struggles of millions of brutally treated human beings that endured slavery in this country less than 150 years ago.
- Kevin Burnett comes out calling his commissionaire a liar, once again claiming to be a victim of "the man" so to speak
- Finally the NFLPA coming up with the idea to boycott the draft.
The NFL owners just crept a few steps closer to their prey.
Secondly we have Mr. Burnett. Here is a link to his quotes. He goes on to say that when players take drugs, there needs to be a rehab or alternative program for them instead of a suspension. He also goes on to say that they are held accountable for what they do outside of football, even though it says nothing in their contract about being a "perfect citizen". Once again another player has alienated his fans. How many of us have a job that if we were caught taking narcotics that we would get a suspension and a relatively small fine? How many of us can get arrested, commit a felony, do jail time and still come back to your old job? 99% of us wouldn't even have our resume looked at, let alone get a 7 figure job. They are getting off very easy when you compare them to an average fan.
Suddenly the owners have surrounded their prey.
Finally, we have the NFLPA thinking it would be a good idea to boycott the draft show. Not letting these young men enjoy something that they have worked their entire life for. Also, something that is not made for the owners, but made for the enjoyment of their fans and new hires. Not a great way to get the young blood to buy into the cause, or empathize with the fans that pay millions of dollars to support you.
Now the owners are ready to pounce.
