Lockout, or no lockout...that is the real question

So with every fan awaiting the next work in regards to the National Football Leagues (NFL) lockout, there are more questions than answers. Is it really lasting this long? What is it really about? Should I not order NFL Sunday ticket then? All of which are great and very valid questions that can not be answered because the information seems to be at a standstill. Fans everywhere are feeling less and less important to the overall picture of America's favorite sport. Collectively spending millions each year to support the teams that bring them happiness, disgust, or even tears, only to have them shunned out on the decisions being made that will have an effect on every fans life.

After this week, the NFL owners came to a vote to the new collective bargaining which would reinstate football once the players agree to it as well. Sounds like a simple formula for finally bring back the game we have all been waiting for but think again. Now that one side is good to go, that brings for the next question, what is going to happen with the players and why haven't they voted yet? Is the lockout over? Is it almost over? Do you even care about the opinions and questions of the fans? The simple fact that the only information given is useless information due to the missing information...confusing huh? But that is how it has been and will continue to be. But like American's, we will forgive once the whistles are blown again and the games are played. 

It appears that the big picture was never about the fans. And with all the marketing and advertising the NFL spends each year to try and emphasis the importance of the fan, it now seems like wasted money and a pool full of lies. It will be interesting to see how much they plan to spend in the next few years to bring back that trust and if they were smart, they would of allocated a few millions in the new agreement to help rebuild the image they so thoroughly destroyed. Love and money never mixed before, so there is no surprises here. And since they are ultimately fighting over money that isn't made or earned yet, the fans should have more information, especially since its our money. I mean, we can't expect them to let us come to games for free or give free beer every 2nd quarter to make up for this rude awakening, but a little trust and a few signs of gratitude would be a great start.