Football players today have a lot to deal with.
Constant rule changes, grueling practice schedules, severe public ridicule and even the Madden curse leave players with enough stress.
Apparently, the NFL believes that players can handle even more.
NFL owners recently met in Atlanta to push for an 18-game season, starting in 2012. The extension would eliminate two preseason games and extend the season into mid-February.
Though owners are all for this, the NFL players union is outraged.
Before the NFL season kicked off, players from both the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints joined to make a point. Athletes from both teams made a gesture with their hands by holding up one finger, signifying that the players are one.
The gesture seemed even more resonant since these teams aren't on good terms after battling in the NFC Championship game a season ago.
In short, there is a huge schism between the interests of the players – the men that put their bodies on the line every game – and white-collared owners who just want to make money.
At the rate things are going, there is a strong possibility that the 2011 season could be locked out, leaving fans with no football for the year.
And honestly, I'm on the players' side.
In a 16-game season, players suffer countless injuries ranging from broken arms to torn ligaments. Extending the season will only increase the number of injuries in the league, thus limiting the length of athletes careers.
Brett Favre, who holds the record for most consecutive games started, is against the two-game extension. Even Ray Lewis, who loves the game more than almost anybody, is against adding games to the schedule.
The extension would also destroy the balance of things since the proposed season would run into mid-February. Imagine some of your favorite shows postponed because the NFL has to finish out its schedule.
Speaking of television, nothing provides more drama than the NFL. The enhanced season cheapens this drama in so many ways.
You know I'll be whining about the player who breaks Chris Johnson's single season rushing record. And if it happens, you better be sure there will be an asterisk next to that record in my book.
Why?
Because that player will have two extra games to accomplish what Johnson did in 16.
Plus, you're more likely to hear Chris Collinsworth complaining during broadcasts toward the end of the season.
Why?
Because the team that is already out of playoff contention will be playing a team that has the playoffs wrapped up and will most definitely be sitting their stars. Additionally, neither team will be playing their best football because most of the players will be worn out.
The owners have to wake up and realize that the NFL season is more than just revenue.
It would be a huge disappointment if the 2011 NFL season doesn't occur because of the owners not working with players.
A year without the NFL will force me to hit the gridiron at the local high school in order to occupy myself with some football on Sundays. And trust me, no one wants to watch that.
