The Biggest Legal Controversy in Recent Sports History: The 2011 NFL Lockout

photo: Newsone.com

In my opinion, one of the biggest controversies over the last five years was the NFL lockout of 2011.  Before a decision was made to proceed with the lockout, the NFL and the rest of the football world were at a standstill.  When the lockout was over, the football world was at ease.  I would like to take you on a brief 2011 NFL Lockout journey.

Before the Lockout

Worry and doubt registered everywhere with anyone directly affiliated with NFL.  One of the NFL’s prime affiliates is satellite dish provider DirecTV.  According to Pro Football Talk.com, DirecTV could have lost $600 to $750 million from customers during the lockout, but save $420 in lockout insurance.  DirecTV protected themselves with a built in clause for “lockout insurance” just in case a strike took place.  According to AdAge.com, Las Vegas sports betting stood to lose $850 million from an NFL lockout, while Anheuser-Busch could have lost $200 million for the first year of a six-year contract. 

Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong?

Many players stated feeding their families was a top priority during the lockout.  One player had thoughts of purchasing two new vehicles.  According to USA Today.com, offensive tackle Willie Colon made over $2 million in 2010 said, “I wanted to buy a car for my brother because his car is beat up…But I told him this is not the year to make a lot of moves, especially with me being a (restricted) free agent and the lockout."

Fans did not feel the same sentiment for players and their financial issues.  Many fans were angry at the possibility of a lockout.  Seattle Seahawk fans protested outside of Seahawks Stadium.  One upset fan stated, “And it's kind of ridiculous that their biggest problem right now is how to divide $9 billion", according to USA Today.com.  I really believe some NFL players need to hire a specialist on a contractual basis to help them with some of their statements.  Maybe someone like a public relations specialist or a DNS-NFL life coach (hint, hint...).

The Lockout Is Over

The lockout finally ended, after a four-month hiatus.  Initially, the players filed an antitrust lawsuit versus the NFL, but once the lockout was resolved the players filed to recertify their union, according to The Huffington Post.com.  One of the main ingredients to the new 10-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) stated the owners would receive 53% of total NFL revenue and the players would receive 47%, according to the Huffington Post.com.  The players will lose roughly 13% of total revenue, after receiving about 60% under the previous CBA, according to AdAge.com. 

Everyone associated with the NFL was elated, once the lockout ended. Overall, everyone wins.  The players still receive millions; the owners still receive billions, while the fans reap the benefits of NFL entertainment.