NDL Forum

shel311 wrote:NFLPA decertifies.

I hope this lockout doesn't run into the season start.

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

Chad Ochocinco to try out for MLS team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chad Ochocinco will try to play a different kind of football during the NFL lockout.

Never short on publicity-grabbing ideas, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver is set for a four-day tryout with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer starting Tuesday.

The club said Wednesday that after the tryout, it would determine whether to extend the trial period.

"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent," Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes said. "We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer, and he did play a lot when he was younger. We're excited to see how his skills will translate once he arrives next week and begins training with our team."

Ochocinco started playing soccer at age 4 but chose to focus on football in high school.

"Due to the NFL lockout, I'm excited to be able to follow my childhood dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team," Ochocinco said.

The reality TV star is friends with such big names in soccer as Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. In January, Ochocinco visited Ronaldo, Kaka and the rest of Real Madrid's squad and was introduced to manager Jose Mourinho.

He has said he uses a soccer ball to warm up for NFL practices and games.

Sporting Kansas City, which changed its name from the Wizards in conjunction with moving into a new stadium, opens its MLS season Saturday. It narrowly missed the playoffs last year.

packsyD22 wrote:In regards to the Dez Bryant issue.........what is with some of these guys who have issues like Bryant. Don't they look at other guys like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Hines Ward, Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Brian Urlacher etc and just see how much these guys succeed off and on the field and what role models they are. Wouldn't every up and coming NFLer wanna be like that? I just have never understood why some of these guys like Bryant act like such dumb asses. Do they have a fucked up chemical imbalance or what?

packsyD22 wrote:In regards to the Dez Bryant issue.........what is with some of these guys who have issues like Bryant. Don't they look at other guys like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Hines Ward, Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Brian Urlacher etc and just see how much these guys succeed off and on the field and what role models they are. Wouldn't every up and coming NFLer wanna be like that? I just have never understood why some of these guys like Bryant act like such dumb asses. Do they have a fucked up chemical imbalance or what?

packsyD22 wrote:In regards to the Dez Bryant issue.........what is with some of these guys who have issues like Bryant. Don't they look at other guys like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Hines Ward, Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Brian Urlacher etc and just see how much these guys succeed off and on the field and what role models they are. Wouldn't every up and coming NFLer wanna be like that? I just have never understood why some of these guys like Bryant act like such dumb asses. Do they have a fucked up chemical imbalance or what?

packsyD22 wrote:In regards to the Dez Bryant issue.........what is with some of these guys who have issues like Bryant. Don't they look at other guys like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Hines Ward, Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Brian Urlacher etc and just see how much these guys succeed off and on the field and what role models they are. Wouldn't every up and coming NFLer wanna be like that? I just have never understood why some of these guys like Bryant act like such dumb asses. Do they have a fucked up chemical imbalance or what?

dakshdar wrote:

packsyD22 wrote:In regards to the Dez Bryant issue.........what is with some of these guys who have issues like Bryant. Don't they look at other guys like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Hines Ward, Tom Brady, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Brian Urlacher etc and just see how much these guys succeed off and on the field and what role models they are. Wouldn't every up and coming NFLer wanna be like that? I just have never understood why some of these guys like Bryant act like such dumb asses. Do they have a fucked up chemical imbalance or what?

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss.

BIGmike wrote:Peyton Hillis is officially the Madden cover guy.

JohnnyP wrote:rumor has it ochocinco cinco is working out with stafford, calvin, and best. It would be nice to see Calvin, burleson and 85 out there