What the Owners and Players Both Fear

[Guest Gritz]

is the bulk of the fan base of the NFL becoming an organized, cohesive group.

I know in the past there have been various calls for fans to organize during one of these protracted labor situations in the NFL. Like many of you I roll my eyes when I see an article somewhere or a thread on a message board that tries to organize fans.

And it's very strange in a sense, because invariably we (the fans) are always mentioned when you hear someone talking about this situation.....whether it's DeMaurice Smith, Goodell, Brees, Brady, etc....but we are used as pawns, pawns without any representation. All of the parties I mentioned like to pay lip service to the fans.

For an entity that is absolutely crucial to the success of the NFL we have virtually no say in this situation. We are relegated to bystander status.

The only thing that the owners and players seem to have in common at this point is how they view the fans:

An always-open ATM machine with unlimited and never-dying loyalty.

[Shotty Ice]

It sounds great and everything but it will never happen. If there is one group of people that are dumber than professional athletes, it's the fans that worship them and the NFL knows this. They know that no matter how long labor disputes drag on and no matter how many weeks of football are missed, the fans will be frothing at the mouth for football and will slam pack the stadiums full the second a deal is in place, no matter how much time is missed.

An always-open ATM was the perfect description. Sheep would be another.

[Guest Gritz]

It sounds great and everything but it will never happen. If there is one group of people that are dumber than professional athletes, it's the fans that worship them and the NFL knows this. They know that no matter how long labor disputes drag on and no matter how many weeks of football are missed, the fans will be frothing at the mouth for football and will slam pack the stadiums full the second a deal is in place, no matter how much time is missed.

An always-open ATM was the perfect description. Sheep would be another.

Yep.....and this whole part of it pizzes me off almost as much as the labor situation itself.....

The fact that we are sheep and that these tools know it.

[Absolute]

There is a group of fans already that is making noise about the lockout.

It's called the Sports Fans Coalition. They were mentioned in the ESPN article posted here.

[Izo#2883]

Imo, that would make the NFL and NFLPA sheep shaggers. That would be a new yet fitting description.

[Finally]

We created this situation. It is just like people blame Walmart for destroying the small business man but it is the shoppers that demanded lower prices that are really to blame.

We have made them too important. They play a game for a living. They are entertainers. Somewhere a long the way they became idols that are worshipped and the money has flowed and flowed to their respective altars.

Let's face it. If a comet were headed to earth and we could only save people who had skills necessary to rebuild society you wouldn't see many football players.

[Guest Gritz]

We created this situation. It is just like people blame Walmart for destroying the small business man but it is the shoppers that demanded lower prices that are really to blame.

We have made them too important. They play a game for a living. They are entertainers. Somewhere a long the way they became idols that are worshipped and the money has flowed and flowed to their respective altars.

Let's face it. If a comet were headed to earth and we could only save people who had skills necessary to rebuild society you wouldn't see many football players.

That's true, but I don't see how it could have gone in any alternate directions.

I mean, I don't really know any Falcon fans who are just somewhat lukewarm or non-committal when it comes to the Falcons. The people I know go to the games, buy Falcon merchandise, etc.

What I'm trying to say is that most of the NFL fans whom I have any contact with are "all in".....

The game grew (and continues to grow) because people love the product being offered.

We certainly had a hand in creating this monster but I can't envision how it could have gone differently.

[MattM12]

In the case, the minority can first change the view of a majority, the majority unites, but when the smallest cracks appear in the league/owners, the polar minority ruins it for the majority.

confusing? I'll try and explain.

Get hypothetical, what can we actually do?

1. Everyone with a season ticket reservation cancels

2. All business and high rollers cancel their box allocation

3. We stop buying merch

So that happens, and the labour dispute gets resolved.

1. Previous loyal fans lose their allocation

2. Other businesses get better offers and tie the reservations down for longer

3. Merch is re-marketed to make everyone want it more.

It is a beautiful system they have. Just a shame it can be abused.

[Robb4242]

That's true, but I don't see how it could have gone in any alternate directions.

I mean, I don't really know any Falcon fans who are just somewhat lukewarm or non-committal when it comes to the Falcons. The people I know go to the games, buy Falcon merchandise, etc.

What I'm trying to say is that most of the NFL fans whom I have any contact with are "all in".....

The game grew (and continues to grow) because people love the product being offered.

We certainly had a hand in creating this monster but I can't envision how it could have gone differently.

I woke up a few years ago. I support the Falcons & follow the Falcons 100%, except when it comes to giving them anymore of my money. I stopped paying for season tickets and I stopped buying Falcons & NFL merchandise (although my wife buys me the occasional T-shirt or something for a birthday/Christmas). I have bought 2 tickets and been to 2 games since that time. On here, I've spoken out about how the organization treats fans who are STHs. Once they have you in, they could give a rats *** about you, they are just looking for the next person to suck in.

It probably helps that I'm in Virginia, so the temptation to keep my season tickets wasn't as strong since I was flying/driving down for maybe 2 or 3 games a year before that and giving the rest of my tickets to family that still lives in GA. But after seeing the Falcons pull perk after perk for renewing STHs and giving more to those buying the 1st time, and then a couple of rude interactions with spouses of Falcons front office people, I was done financially supporting the team and the league.

[Guest Gritz]

I woke up a few years ago. I support the Falcons & follow the Falcons 100%, except when it comes to giving them anymore of my money. I stopped paying for season tickets and I stopped buying Falcons & NFL merchandise (although my wife buys me the occasional T-shirt or something for a birthday/Christmas). I have bought 2 tickets and been to 2 games since that time. On here, I've spoken out about how the organization treats fans who are STHs. Once they have you in, they could give a rats *** about you, they are just looking for the next person to suck in.

It probably helps that I'm in Virginia, so the temptation to keep my season tickets wasn't as strong since I was flying/driving down for maybe 2 or 3 games a year before that and giving the rest of my tickets to family that still lives in GA. But after seeing the Falcons pull perk after perk for renewing STHs and giving more to those buying the 1st time, and then a couple of rude interactions with spouses of Falcons front office people, I was done financially supporting the team and the league.

I suspect that you experienced on a personal and individual level what many of us are feeling as a group.....

That the NFL and its players don't feel particularly indebted to the fans once they know they have them in their grip.

[Finally]

We have had entertainers for thousands of years, it is only in the last 50 has it gotten so out of control.

The information age has made us all crazy. You can tell by the constant whining about how none of the talking heads respect us enough. The reality is that thanks to ESPN, NFLN, fantasy football, madden, and the interwebs you can now get lost in football. There was a time where, other than the heated debates with your buddies and coworkers where most of your fanaticism was contained to game day.

The way people go on about it here you'd think that highlights and respect were more important than the actual games.

[freebird310]

We created this situation. It is just like people blame Walmart for destroying the small business man but it is the shoppers that demanded lower prices that are really to blame.

We have made them too important. They play a game for a living. They are entertainers. Somewhere a long the way they became idols that are worshipped and the money has flowed and flowed to their respective altars.

Let's face it. If a comet were headed to earth and we could only save people who had skills necessary to rebuild society you wouldn't see many football players.

This is one of the single most profound statements I have ever read on this board ...+ 100.000.000 for this .......

[Guest Gritz]

We have had entertainers for thousands of years, it is only in the last 50 has it gotten so out of control.

The information age has made us all crazy. You can tell by the constant whining about how none of the talking heads respect us enough. The reality is that thanks to ESPN, NFLN, fantasy football, madden, and the interwebs you can now get lost in football. There was a time where, other than the heated debates with your buddies and coworkers where most of your fanaticism was contained to game day.

The way people go on about it here you'd think that highlights and respect were more important than the actual games.

Excellent points there.

While I freely admit that it sometimes irritates me when the criticism from the talking heads comes I don't post about it or give it too much weight.

Expanding your thoughts concerning "entertainment" people like Dilfer and Dukes are in the entertainment business also, whether they realize it or not. They are paid to create controversy on these sets, do the whole "good cop, bad cop" routine.

It's actually about as scripted and real as wrestling.

[Stewie]

It is our fault...let's look at the simple fact that even though the players are locked out, teams (including the Falcons) are STILL collecting season tickets payments, even though a season is not guaranteed. Would you put money down for a car that may not get delivered? Would you put a down-payment on a house that may never get built?

We love the NFL so much that we will do things (like pay for a uncertain season) that we would NEVER do in any other facet of our life. If the fans stood up and said enough, someone would have to listen. But it will never happen...

[Quarterback]

It is our fault...let's look at the simple fact that even though the players are locked out, teams (including the Falcons) are STILL collecting season tickets payments, even though a season is not guaranteed. Would you put money down for a car that may not get delivered? Would you put a down-payment on a house that may never get built?

We love the NFL so much that we will do things (like pay for a uncertain season) that we would NEVER do in any other facet of our life. If the fans stood up and said enough, someone would have to listen. But it will never happen...

Good analogy.

Personally, I think many of the fans are perhaps taking this issue a bit too seriously and are needlessly worrying too much. This is because unlike other businesses we are passionate about our football and this emotion can easily blind us from the fact that this indeed is a business with lots of money at stake. I certainly wasn't as bothered about an auto union strike, or Delta pilot strike, because of a lack of passion but these are just as potentially economically harmful to both sides.

As always before in professional sports history over the past century this will eventually work its way out and we will have football. Yes, I'm bothered too at any possible delays, lack of FA signings, etc, but I am not going to allow these billionaires and millionaires to still my peace and joy in life in May when there are months to go before this impasse reaches the panic stage.

We will have football at some point this year and after a game or two we'll be discussing Julio's and Rodger's impact on the offense and if any improvements have been made on the DL.

[Guest Gritz]

Good analogy.

Personally, I think many of the fans are perhaps taking this issue a bit too seriously and are needlessly worrying too much. This is because unlike other businesses we are passionate about our football and this emotion can easily blind us from the fact that this indeed is a business with lots of money at stake. I certainly wasn't as bothered about an auto union strike, or Delta pilot strike, because of a lack of passion but these are just as potentially economically harmful to both sides.

As always before in professional sports history over the past century this will eventually work its way out and we will have football. Yes, I'm bothered too at any possible delays, lack of FA signings, etc, but I am not going to allow these billionaires and millionaires to still my peace and joy in life in May when there are months to go before this impasse reaches the panic stage.

We will have football at some point this year and after a game or two we'll be discussing Julio's and Rodger's impact on the offense and if any improvements have been made on the DL.

I hope that you're right about the conclusions you came to....I really do.

It concerns me that all of this is now in the courts......and the courts move about as quickly as a deep fried peanut butter sandwich did through Elvis.

[Stewie]

I hope that you're right about the conclusions you came to....I really do.

It concerns me that all of this is now in the courts......and the courts move about as quickly as a deep fried peanut butter sandwich did through Elvis.

LOL!

This is my concern as well. If the owners and players could get in a room and figure this out themselves, then I would be optimistic. But now it is twisted up in the courts which has me worried. it could be a VERY long time before these cases move through the system.

[Mr. Hoopah!]

I hope that you're right about the conclusions you came to....I really do.

It concerns me that all of this is now in the courts......and the courts move about as quickly as a deep fried peanut butter sandwich did through Elvis.

:lol:

[Finally]

Expanding your thoughts concerning "entertainment" people like Dilfer and Dukes are in the entertainment business also, whether they realize it or not. They are paid to create controversy on these sets, do the whole "good cop, bad cop" routine.

It is a shame they have the ability to captivate both the people that love them and the people that hate them. I admit, I like a nice word about my favorite team now and again and it would be nice if most of the highlights were not featuring players of other teams burning one of ours but I am not going to obsess over it. T

[Interceptor430]

We get reimbursed for games not played....so the only hope we have now is not wasting our $'s on preseason games?

[Guest Gritz]

:lol:

I know.....that was an unfortunate analogy........ :blink:

[Finally]

Good analogy.

Personally, I think many of the fans are perhaps taking this issue a bit too seriously and are needlessly worrying too much. This is because unlike other businesses we are passionate about our football and this emotion can easily blind us from the fact that this indeed is a business with lots of money at stake. I certainly wasn't as bothered about an auto union strike, or Delta pilot strike, because of a lack of passion but these are just as potentially economically harmful to both sides.

I think it is especially hard on Falcons fans. 2007 is still too recent to have the quality of another season threatened. We have had 3 back to back winning seasons and we don't want to lose that momentum. Football season is short as is the careers of the players. Think about it, this is the last year Ryan will be viewed as a young qb.

With all that said, I am not in a panic over it. I don't like it but there is not much I can do about it.

[Supes™]

There is a movement afoot, small but real. When someone like Rev Hal, as loyal and dedicated a fan as there is, decides not to renew his ST's, that's an impact. When another fan decides not to buy a shiny new Matt Ryan or Julio Jones jersey, that's an impact. As like anything else, it all adds up.

I agree with Finally that we created this monster, but it's a monster we have nurtured and loved. Now it seems that the monster doesn't love us back, doesn't care, or is indifferent to it's creators' need to be entertained as expected. It appears that the monster has grown too big for his britches.

What do we fear? We fear empty Sundays, void of either going to games or getting together with friends and the big screens to cheer on our respective teams, and we probably fear that more than the monster may fear temporarily empty seats and lagging jersey sales. The monster may reckon he has us by our short hairs and in the end, he may be right.

[freebird310]

Reminds me of Tom Glavine's immortal, " the fans don't pay my salary " .....none of these polesmokers from the owners down to the PS players really give a flying fk about us .......they could care less that the average family in this country can not afford to go to a game ..... but as long as we are all willing to pony up and take it up the azz, they will keep on plowing us deep and hard ........every bubble bursts sooner or later ...look at the real estate market ....

[Finally]

I agree with Finally that we created this monster, but it's a monster we have nurtured and loved. Now it seems that the monster doesn't love us back, doesn't care, or is indifferent to it's creators' need to be entertained as expected. It appears that the monster has grown too big for his britches.

I agree with that 100000 percent. The real evidence is not the lockout, the real evidence was the deal they made with Direct TV. How dare they make an exclusive deal that denies fans the ability to get games. While I have been tempted I decided never to switch to DTV on principal. The games are the main product and just knowing that so many fans can't get them makes me furious. Can you imagine how much cheaper the NFL ticket would be if all 120 million cable and satellite subscribers had access to it? As it stands the 20 or so million DTV subscribers have to bear the load.

That deal had zero consideration for the fans. Zero.