Thursday we published lots of optimistic accounts regarding the NFL Lockout. New York Giants co-owner John Mara was optimistic. New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty were also optimistic.
Today, a much less optimistic — and maybe more realistic — tone from New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott.
“We’re bordering now on the verge of insanity. Fans don’t want to hear about lockout. They don’t want to hear about people arguing over $9 billion. They want the bottom line. Because at the end of the day, these guys are saving up throughout the entire year to come out and spend their hard earned money to see football. And we’re telling them that they can spend their hard earned money but we’re not playing until we figure it out. I listen to (Patriots owner Robert) Kraft. I don’t agree with the Patriots on a lot of things, but I agree with him that we’re really on the verge of irritating our fan base and damaging the fabric of the game.”
Without doubt, a $9 billion industry that can’t find a way to get its product to market and alienates its customer base is not smart. Let’s hope both sides wise up before it’s too late.