NFL Commissioner Goodel seen at the podium on NFL Draft Day 2010 - Photo Wikipedia
NFL owners met to discuss extending the regular season from 16 games to 18. The owners anticipate it will increase the fans interest with more meaningful games and less preseason games. The new proposal calls for just two preseason games versus the current four.
Not everyone around the NFL agrees, certainly not the players. Many players did not want to make an already grueling season last any longer. Some players say it will take years off their playing time. They would want more money to accommodate the owners’ requests as well as several other changes in their contracts regarding injuries to players. They would also like an extra week to cope with the physical demands of the new season. The players clearly want a bigger piece of the profits if they are to risk injury with the addition of two games.
“So, when you talk about adding games, you’ve got to talk about those four things and say ‘what kind of benefit are the players getting in order for (18 games) to happen,” says Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.
Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, said, “I think it’s good for everyone concerned, our fans our players. It’s a way to grow the pie and produce a better product. The players get a larger percentage as the pie grows.”
NFL Commissioner Goodell pointed out that the NFL league already could impose an 18-game season anytime, even under the existing labor agreement with the players. However, this contract will soon expire. It is clear the expanded schedule of 18 games will take centre stage when negotiations the new contract negotiations begin.
The owners did not vote on any proposal to present to the players’ union but there remains little doubt that the owners will eventually get what they want.
“We want to do it the right way for everyone, including the players, the fans and the game in general,” Goodell said. “There’s a tremendous amount of momentum for it. We think it’s the right step.”