The Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has made their ruling and determined that the NFL lockout is legal. The ruling isn’t completely unexpected as that’s the end result many of us expected but what is surprising is the timing of it all.
NFL Lockout Ruling Shouldn’t Change Negotiations
Over five weeks ago when the two sides went before the Eighth Circuit to state their case as to why the NFL lockout is legal (NFL’s argument) and why it’s illegal (NFLPA’s argument), the courts said it would be in each side’s best interest to come to their own agreement before they make a ruling because it would be a ruling neither side liked.
Ultimately, though, the ruling shouldn’t matter. Sure, the NFL now has some more leverage in the negotiations with the players but what does that leverage get them? They can keep the lockout in place?
That’s not an ideal scenario for either side. The NFL can keep the lockout in place and use their leverage but it will ultimately hurt them because the real issue is coming to an agreement that would preserve the preseason and the approximately $800 million in revenue that comes with it.
It should also be noted that, while the league gained some leverage here, the players’ antitrust lawsuit still lingers. It’s unclear when a ruling could come down on that but, as we noted, it would be best if the two sides came to an agreement on their own before that ruling.
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