The NFL and FKA-NFLPA will resume mediated negotiations on Thursday and for the first time in a month there’s a small glimmer of hope that maybe the lockout won’t drag into the summer.
Amidst reports this morning that traffic for NFL.com and interest in the draft is down this year among the non-diehards (or die-easy’s) it’s clear that some fans are losing interest, whether it’s intentional or not.
But for the most part, we the fans are left to sit on the sideline like we usually do and not-so-patiently await an agreement. Other than refusing to buy anything NFL related, there really isn’t much we can do.
However I believe the greatest statement we the fans can make is by boycotting the draft in New York City. The NFL clearly loves the raucous atmosphere that the fans create in Radio City Music Hall every April, and it plays a huge part in making the draft a “primetime” event.
Even Commissioner Goodell always gives the fans a shout out when he kicks off the draft ceremony, saying something to the effect of “alright NFL fans this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for”.
But imagine for a second an empty, silent Radio City as the Commish takes the podium. The upper rafters devoid of all the passionate fans from all thirty two teams. No cheers. No boos from Jets fans. Just a collection of empty seats as team officials scramble on the main floor below.
Now I know that attending the draft is a tradition for many NFL fans. Draft weekend used to be one of my most favorite traditions, but that didn’t stop the NFL from screwing it all up in the name of revenue. Far be it from me to suggest that people ruin their plans just to send a message.
So to those fans who still plan to attend despite the current state of affairs in the NFL, I’d suggest simply being silent for the first overall pick. Sit there in silence when the Commish takes the podium and let Cam Newton’s marriage to the Carolina Panthers be one that takes place to a soundtrack of dead quiet.
There’s really no better way to send a message to not only the NFL, but to every single person who tunes in on TV. The fans are no longer cheering.
