[sportscurmudgeon]

What is missing from the dynamic of the negotiations is precisely the voice of the fans that is loud and clear here.

Fans want football so they want a resolution to these "issues" immediately. But the fans have no voice in the negotiations even though all of the $$$ that all these folks are fighting over come from the pockets of the fans - - and the taxpayers in cities that have funded stadiums for teams.

The fans pay the freight but the players and the owners decide whether or not the fans - - the one's paying the freight may I remind you - - get to see games next year.

That is what is wrong with this picture. Put fans in the room with the power of the dollars and this would be fixed in a flash.

The NFL expects to take in revenues just under $9B this year. Player salaries and benefits amount to just under 60% of that revenue or just under $5.4B.

And those folks can't figure out how to share that pie so that everyone gets a fair share? Give me a BREAK!