Judge Rules For Lockout To Be Lifted; NFL Appeals

Could it be over?  Keep your fingers crossed but there may be some good news on the horizon.   Earlier today Judge Susan Nelson Monday granted an injunction to lift the NFL lockout.   From NFL.com:

Nelson has decided not to stay the decision, which could force the league to open for business immediately.

The league swiftly appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and issued a statement announcing their intention to request a stay from Nelson. The hope is to avoid the beginning of free agency and offseason programs with the potential that, if the 8th Circuit rules in its favor, the lockout could be reinstated in the coming weeks or months.

“We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals,” the statement said. “We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree.

DeMaurice Smith, co-class counsel and Executive Director of the NFLPA said:

I’m happy for our players and for our fans. Today, those who love football are the winners.

Plaintiff Osi Umenyiora stated:

Today’s ruling is a win for the players and for the fans that want to see a full NFL season in 2011. The lockout is bad for everyone and players will continue to fight it. We hope that this will bring us one step closer to playing the game we love.

There remain more questions than answers but if the lockout remains lifted, the 2010 rules would return while the two sides negotiated a new deal.  Anything that keeps the sides talking is good at this point in time.

There is a lot more information in our New York jets forum.