Photo from Google Images
It took 132 days for the owners and the players to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. Two things we learned from the lockout:
1) James Harrison and Roger Goodell are not facebook friends.
Harrison accuses Goodell of trying to soften the game and implementing rules that protect the quarterback. He faults Goodell’s lack of experience as a reason for his inconsistencies of fines to players for unnecessary roughness where Harrison has paid over $100G’s. Harrison describes the commish as “a puppet,” “a crook,” “a punk,” and “a dictator” who maintains poor player relationships.
Goodell is praised by the media for his personal conduct policy that allows players to be punished by the league without being convicted of a crime. Holding players accountable for a higher standard of behavior is respectable. But it’s a double standard when you don’t hold the coaches to that same benchmark- remember Spygate?
Harrison and Goodell will only understand the game through the position they play, but there was a moment when we all understood the game through one image:
2) A picture can say it all.
The image of Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman, Jeff Saturday embracing New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said more than 132 days of labor negotiations.
Rivals came together in a moment that symbolized one team and reminded us that millionaires and NFL players are also human. The respect and gratitude by both Saturday and Kraft represented unity in its most natural form.
In a soft voice, Saturday said “A special thanks to Myra Kraft, who even in her weakest moment, allowed Mr. Kraft to come and fight this out. Without him, this deal does not get done. I don’t want to be climatic, but he is a man who helped us save football. We’re gracious for that, we’re gracious for his family, and the opportunity presented to get this deal done.”
His words were heard, but the image of unity was felt.
Redskins: 7-9