As the NFL season has moved along, one of the most common topics of discussion in the media has been the labor strife between the NFL and the NFLPa, and the potential lockout looming next year. I remain convinced that the parties involved cannot be so stupid as to kill the golden goose, but I've been proven wrong on such issues in the past.
Over at SB Nation, writer Jon Bois put together a really entertaining look at the lockout that was after the fact. It's a compilation of "writings, conversations, and other documents from NFL players and the American Public as the hysteria worsened." It includes blog posts, tweets, diaries, Adrian Peterson's shopping list, and even text messages between Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith.
I did notice one thing that is a pretty funny coincidence, if it is in fact a coincidence. At the top of the page there is an ad for Head & Shoulders shampoo and if you expand it you see a picture of Troy Polamalu. The timing is perfect on this given Polamalu's criticisms about Commissioner Goodell and the power he wields in the NFL's disciplinary process. Polamalu has followed those comments up, including during an appearance on the T.Ocho Show on Versus.
The NFL's disciplinary system apparently includes league executives and former players. Polamalu has indicated he believes current players should be involved in this system. This comes in light of the increased fines for big hits without any real discussion with the players.
I bring this up in conjunction with the lockout link because it seems that even as the NFL and NFLPA are negotiating the always important financial aspects of the CBA, an adjustment to the disciplinary process could slow negotiations. From an outsiders view it does seem like the NFL wields a pretty tough hammer in the disciplinary process. And while I understand the increase in fines for big hits, I find it strange that the league would go back and levy these big fines on hits that occurred before such fines were in place. It seems unfair and will only lead to further deterioration in the player-management relationship.