Well, at least we can say we saw it coming. In fact, there's no way this is catching anybody by surprise, but the NFL Players Association has officially decertified as of today and released this statement:
↵↵↵WASHINGTON, D.C. - The NFL Players Association announced today it has informed the NFL, NFL clubs and other necessary parties that it has renounced its status as the exclusive collective bargaining representative of the players of the National Football League.
↵The NFLPA will move forward as a professional trade association with the mission of supporting the interests and rights of current and former professional football players.
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A lockout at this point is all but certain. The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Friday night, at which point it is fully expected that the NFL will lockout the players.
↵It truly is unfortunate that it has come to this as neither side is coming out looking out good. Both sides look greedy, particularly the owners.
↵Still, I doubt this will have much of an impact for the league, especially if this lockout doesn't cost a portion of the 2011 season. I fully expect the 2011 season to occur in its entirety. Fans will still come flocking back to the league - and why not? It's football.
↵As a fan, it sucks to see, but all is not lost. Yet, at least.