Bigggest Sports Conflict 2011

          The biggest sports conflict of this millennium is one of the NFL lockout.  This was huge as it was a major intense negotiation between the owners and the players who wanted a 60/40 split on revenues.  Thus, because the owners desired to make the regular season from 16 to 18 games the players rightfully deserved to be compensated for their extra games.  Therefore, due to the increase of millions of dollars from the cable TV contracts that would go into effect starting with the 14 seasons.  Also, more than just television revenue is in the mix with additional deals in digital and broadband arenas.   The negotiations consisted of how the two sides were to spit the $9 Billion in revenue. 

       

        

        Most of the players were in wait in see mode according to one football player from the Jaguars.  It was very frustrating and sad for most of the players who wanted to see a resolution to the matter.  However, finally NFL owners and players agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement to end the 136-day lockout.  This was the longest labor strike in history.  Also, there is no opt-out clause in final document so the league shall have peace of mind up to 2021 NFL draft.  The NFL’s proposal touched on the following:  players remain medical plan for life, regular season is 16 games through 2012, $900 million to 1 billion earmarked for retired player benefits, players unrestricted after four seasons, rookies salary cap, and drafted players receive four-year deals and undrafted receive three-year deals. 

            In conclusion, we see how an extraordinary lockout may be resolved peacefully and both sides win. Thus, this was the longest lockout in history and is the biggest recent controversy to date. 

References:  Davis, Nate. (2011, 07 25). NFL,players announce new 10-year labor agreement. Retrieved from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/07/reports-nfl-players-agree-to-new-collective-bargaining-agreement/1  
2.  NFL lockout watch, day 98: owners reportedly in conflict over new cba. (2011, June 17). Retrieved from http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2011/06/17/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/NFL-Labor.aspx