Greed will prevent an NFL lockout

Ashley FoxThe Philadelphia Inquirer

“Do not be fooled,” said Ashley Fox. National Football League owners didn’t agree to extend negotiations over a new labor agreement because they “suddenly found religion.” They did it because federal Judge David Doty last week denied them access to $4 billion in television money if “the 2011 season is lost to a work stoppage.” Doty found that the league is bound to act in the best interests of the owners and the players, yet the $4 billion they winkled out of the networks in the event of a player lockout “would only benefit the league.” That’s a no-no, said Doty.

Deprived of their cash cushion, the owners suddenly found the motivation to prevent a lockout. But they were “greedy” to have sought one in the first place. Even though “they’re printing money at a faster rate than ever before,” they’re peeved at having to give the players 57 percent of league revenues—even after raking off the first $1 billion as an expense credit. And now the owners want applause for staying at the bargaining table? Talk about chutzpah.