Lockout Lifted!...for now

Federal judge Susan Nelson officially lifted the lockout in favor of the players union.  This should be the end of the lockout and a 2011-2012 season is definite right?  Unfortunately no.

The NFL filed for an appeal shortly after the ruling, questioning if Nelson exceeded her jurisdiction.  Later on the NFL filed a motion for an expedited stay, which means the NFL wants Nelson to freeze her ruling until the appeal process plays out.

The players are legally able to show up at team facilities, but they still can not negotiate with the coaching staff or with the front office.  Free agency and contract negotiations are also not permitted yet.

I am very optimistic about a 2011 season now that the political entities are in favor of the players.  Hopefully within these next couple months we will know if there is or not an NFL season.

The meaning behind the game

When people think of football, they normally think of the high school captain that shoves people into lockers and picks on everyone.  Some think of the game as a barbaric activity that only dummies play.  Well let me tell you otherwise.

When done correctly, the game of football can mature an individual to levels that not even a strict parent can.  When taught correctly, it can form coach-to-player connections almost equivalent to a father and his son, not to mention the brotherhood and the companionship amongst the players.  Football also gives people an outlet of frustration; instead of fighting people on the streets, you can hit somebody on the football.

Many people think it's a game of violence and nothing more.  I'm sorry for those who feel that way, because football is much more than just that.

Da'Quan Bowers works out for NFL Scouts

     After a knee injury that kept him out of the NFL Combine, former Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers impressed scouts at Clemson's NFL pro day on Friday, April 1st.  Bowers was kept out of the combine due to surgery on his torn meniscus on his right knee.  He impressed scouts with his quickness off the ball, but his 40 yard dash time was on the slow side, running a 4.96 second 40 and a 4.94, when he's usually in the low 4.8s.

     Bowers was a projected 1st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft before the combine, in which LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson is now projected to go first overall.  There is now discussion if Bowers will even go in the first round at all.  Bowers led the nation in sacks with 15.5 and also had 67 total tackles. 

     In my opinion, Da'Quan is one of the most impressive freak athletes that I have ever seen play the game, if you take into consideration that he is 6'5 and almost 300 pounds.  I am positive that once his knee is completely healthy again, Bowers could end up being the next Reggie White of the game. 

Patrick Peterson