As expected, the NFL quickly announced that it would appeal today’s ruling by S.S. District Court Judge Susan Richard Nelson lifting the NFL Lockout.

We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal.

The league must first ask Nelson to issue a stay of her ruling, then will appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. So, don’t start thinking it will be business as usual again in the NFL any time soon. That does not seem likely for a while yet.