The NFL Players Association filed the papers to decertify, which basically means the union has dissolved and players are now free to sue the league under antitrust law. For all those hoping for a quick and painless resolution to the league's labor dispute this spring, this is very bad news.
But the worry should extend well beyond the gridiron. This news also has implications on the basketball court. Yet another one of America's great games is in deep trouble.
A lockout is getting under way in football, that's now clear. But basketball isn't far behind. The NBA's financial troubles are very real — while the timetable may be different, the Association may be just as doomed as the NFL.
The problem in hoops is on an entirely new level. The NFL players and owners are all rolling in dough — everyone's rich, the only question is how rich. They're squabbling over who gets what percentage of their massive truckloads of revenue.
The NBA is much worse off. Teams are losing money, and fast. And while it's tempting to table the issue now, focusing instead on one of the most exciting seasons in the game's history, we all need to be aware that basketball has very real problems.
Compromise is vital here. The NBA's players and owners need to come to an agreement soon on a new collective bargaining agreement, before things get worse. Whatever concessions can be made — shorter contracts, less guaranteed money, a tighter salary cap, you name it — need to be made for the good of the game.
Labor stoppages in sports are scary. No one wants to see the game they love taken away. And now that we're already in the midst of one lockout, we can never be too concerned that a second might be right around the corner.
Are you worried about a lockout in the NBA? Share your thoughts below.
