tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post1576965754550990274..comments2024-03-09T20:37:14.671-06:00Comments on Down the Byline: The Elephant in the RoomMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12931590118053363115noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-13450477014780574482010-02-23T11:58:15.699-06:002010-02-23T11:58:15.699-06:00I don't know the business issues, but I hope t...I don't know the business issues, but I hope they get it resolved.<br /><br />Conrad is correct about a looming season sharpening the mind.Ron Bishopnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-15452431155092100202010-02-22T19:20:01.793-06:002010-02-22T19:20:01.793-06:00Thanks for the update, and your analysis of the Ow...Thanks for the update, and your analysis of the Owners' proposal about being willing to go forward under the old CBA is a good one. I am normally be inclined to come down on the the players/union's side, but their (public) offer is great negotiating that will be difficult to counter.Jhttp://arsenal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-82991889021392166502010-02-22T00:41:02.156-06:002010-02-22T00:41:02.156-06:00This is a very difficult issue to discern and addr...This is a very difficult issue to discern and address for the league and the players.<br /><br />On one hand, the players have very little freedom and rights the way things are set up. One can understand their frustration concerning the lack of free agency, etc.<br /><br />On the other hand, very frankly, the level of play in MLS hasn't risen enough to garner more fans and more money. I know that hurts to hear but it's true. Bottom line, if the players were playing at a higher level more fans would come and more revenue would come in. Business 101 suggests the players would have more of a bargaining chip of such was the case. There are very few players in the league that draw fans in and of themselves. More players have to achieve such a status in order to realistically expect free agency to be granted. The problem is, when players do reach such a status, they leave for other leagues.<br /><br />I love MLS Soccer and my season tickets. At the same time I have to acknowledge the level of play just isn't where it needs to be to see the league ascend to the next level of maturity, which I think will include better rights for the players including free agency.<br /><br />I hope the players agree to a CBA that allows the season to start as schedule. Stoppage will seriously hurt league momentum. Frankly, stoppage hurts the player more, I don't see how they can really afford to let it come to that. Without a stoppage and the continued momentum of the league perhaps a better CBA with free agency as part of the package is possible in 5 years. With a significant stoppage, I think they'll set back a realistic shot at free agency 7-10 years. <br /><br />I wish things were better for the players, I really do. The product just isn't there yet, that's the bottom line.Reepicheephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01614939842967705669noreply@blogger.com