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NFL > General NFL > Boycott the draft???

March 16, 2011, 04:19 PM

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Maybe the players (and owners) need to remember where all of that money they're trying to split comes form. That would be us - the die-hard, loyal fans.

If the NFLPA thinks that having the "draftees" boycott is a good thing, then they are completely beyond stupid. The draft is held to stock teams with fresh, new talent, as well as trying to help a team improve (read: make more money, so the three groups of greedy **** can split up what WE the fan provides for them - money.) It's on TV for one reason only - because the FANS want to see it. Do they remember us - at all?

The NFLPA apparently does not. I would normally come down on the side of the players in most cases, but in this - I'm with the NFL. I want to see the draft. Watch the new guys share a special moment with their me and the other "new" fans they just got, some of their closest friends, and their families. It is - as I said - on TV because WE want to see it. But in their eyes, its another opportunity to make MORE MONEY. And where does that money come from? Once again, paid for by the fans.

I only wish I could do in my job what the NFLPA is attempting to do for the players. My company "owner" is never going to show me the books, never going to cover me with insurance and other benefits when I retire, quit or move on, always pays the new young employees more than the "loyal" employees. (But I do have to admit - a rookie wage scale is a must. No way Cam Newton is worth more than Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees - all newly crowned litigants.) But who cares what a fan thinks - obviously not the NFLPA.

So where does it stop? I can't afford to go to a game and haven't been in years. The greedy players want more money - meaning the greedy owners will have to raise ticket prices, refreshmentes, parphenalia, etc., Things I that I can't afford now. Just so their egos can be stroked - "I want to be the highest paid player at my position in the league because I'm so awesome" - what a bunch of crap!) But not in the eyes of the greediest group of them all - the agents. (Bet you thought I wouldn't mention them). Otherwise they wouldn't be backing this ridiculous boycott idea. They just see the possibility of their meal tickets getting smaller - and I can assure you none of them - NOT ONE - gives a damn about the fan(s).

Everybody involved - save for the fans - wants more money. (Don't we all?) However, since we supply them with the money for ALL of this, does anybody care? No thought of that seems to matter here. Demaurice Smith is such a fraud it is beyond unbelievable. Like the rest of them, his only concern is publicity, reputation enhancement, a little ego stroking of his own, and oh, by the way - ensuring he gets his own "slice of the pie" (Also provided by the fans.) I haven't believed a word he has said since the first time I saw him on TV. What does he care about the fans? Not a damn thing. Does he dig us at all?

I guess if they boycott the draft, I'll just have to root against the new guys, even if my team happens to draft a "boycotter". Because - while somebody else's name may be on the bottom of their new, huge check, none of them would have any of that money without us - the die-hard, loyal fan. Or - if they keep up this childish, greedy, ridiculously selfish crap, the soon to be "EX" fan!

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March 16, 2011 06:36 PM ET

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Any player that plans to join the NFLPA should not be at the draft, they have been locked out by the owners...the NFLPA is planning to have a parallel event in NYC for the draftee's.

BGDUECE

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March 16, 2011 06:50 PM ET

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I think part of the reason the NFLPA is asking for the boycott is because this is the first year the draft is broadcast Prime Time. Would make quite a statement - though I don't agree with taking away something the players have dreamed of and played hard for just to get this this point.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be that player who decides to show up either. Puts them in a bad light with the veterans. Tough situation no matter how you look at it.

LoveItHateIt

Portland, OR

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March 16, 2011 07:34 PM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 06:50 PM ET 03.16 by LoveItHateIt

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be that player who decides to show up either. Puts them in a bad light with the veterans. Tough situation no matter how you look at it.

That is why I would not cross that line...I remember when some of the players crossed lines in previous a stoppage, their were harsh feelings...you still got to work with these people...

BGDUECE

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March 16, 2011 08:24 PM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 07:34 PM ET 03.16 by BGDUECE

That is why I would not cross that line...I remember when some of the players crossed lines in previous a stoppage, their were harsh feelings...you still got to work with these people...

Cross the line now and someone might cross the line on the field and head shot you due to lack of protection by someone watching who crosses the line.

JKINDELRAY

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March 17, 2011 09:43 PM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 06:50 PM ET 03.16 by LoveItHateIt

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be that player who decides to show up either. Puts them in a bad light with the veterans. Tough situation no matter how you look at it.

True. The vets will remember who stood with them and who they think stood apart from them.

Melman

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March 18, 2011 08:53 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 06:50 PM ET 03.16 by LoveItHateIt

I think part of the reason the NFLPA is asking for the boycott is because this is the first year the draft is broadcast Prime Time...

If you don't count last year, of course.

Keepinitreeuh

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March 18, 2011 12:08 PM ET

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So they always talk about the fans being the 12th man on the field. So why aren't the fans a part of this? How many times have we heard some exuberant player after the game say " I want to thank the fans" Apparently the players want to leverage the fans to get more money the same way they do to win a game.

When will fans stand up for themselves? They are manipulated into paying more for seats and concessions, they are blackmailed into building new stadiums at taxpayer expense ( not everyone is a fan of professional sports, yet they still pay for them). The players and owners keep getting richer and richer as they expect the whimpering fan to hand over their money each week.

We keep hearing over and over from one side or the other about what is right for the players and what is right for the owners. How about for once, what is right for the fans?

It would be nice if some TV or Radio personality were to be the voice of the fans and say; "If you can't get your act together NFL then we the fans will boycott the season, and those Companies that pay for advertising space." The Players and the Owners know fans would never do something so drastic because that would mean the fans would be practicing true Democracy and Free Marketing. They would be voting for what they want and not what they are forced to accept.

narrator

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March 18, 2011 12:53 PM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 08:53 AM ET 03.18 by Keepinitreeuh

If you don't count last year, of course.

Duh - you're right!

LoveItHateIt

Portland, OR

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March 18, 2011 03:11 PM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:43 PM ET 03.17 by Melman

True. The vets will remember who stood with them and who they think stood apart from them.

I just don't see how the vets can fault the rookies for wanting their 15 minutes of prime time fame. Since some of these top picks will be busts this may be all the fame they get in the NFL.

At least until they get debated on their ranking on the biggest draft busts of all time lists.