NBA lockout latest: Day 139
We’re 139 days in – and still no court time!!!
The players of the NBA are now taking steps that they feel will end this long 139 day lockout and restore their beloved basketball to the masses.
That step however is a difficult one, as it involves filing an anti-trust lawsuit that will end the so far peaceful negotiations between the two sides (NBA and NBPA) involved and take it to the Federal Courts.
The entire 2011-2012 season now hangs in the balance as the players pursue legal action against the NBA.
Speaking yesterday NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter said..
” We have arrived at the conclusion that the collective bargaining agreement has totally broken down. As a result, within the last hour we served a notice of disclaimer on Commissioner David Stern and the NBA.”
As we know a similar lockout situation occurred in the NFL this year however NFL owners and players managed to reach common ground before the season had started to prevent losing regular season games. The NBA unfortunately hasn’t achieved this and the opening month that was scheduled to start two weeks ago, is now cancelled.
The latest offer in this huge sports saga saw the NBA call for a 50-50 split between players and owners of basketball related income (BRI) that if agreed would enable the season to start in time for Christmas on December 15th.
Due to the rejection by players, the NBA officially informed teams late yesterday afternoon that games through December 15th would indeed be cancelled.
Some players on the other hand just want to play basketball and are considering overseas options. Kevin Durant (reigning NBA scoring champion) is said to be in discussions with BBC Bayreuth of Germany’s professional basketball league.
According to a SPOX.com article, the Oklahoma Thunder’s small forward’s agent has called the Beko BBL club and both sides are involved in serious contract negotiations.
A long legal battle in the courts could drag on and put the season in real jeopardy. The last lockout in 1998-1999 held a 6 month dispute which reduced the season by 32 games to 50 and even prevented the All-Star Game from being played.
Let’s hope a settlement is made soon. The 2011-2012 NBA season is in danger of being remembered for all the wrong reasons!
