Lockout has continued effect on NFL Rookies
On Tuesday, League Official Greg Aiello announced that the NFL had cancelled the annual Rookie Symposium scheduled for 26th June in Canton, Ohio. The cancellation was due to “uncertainty of the labour issues we are facing and the logistical challenges of conducting the symposium.” He added, “The symposium is a large, complex event involving many officials and others…in fairness, we could not continue to keep their commitment on hold.”
The symposium consists of compulsory sessions, teaching Rookies life skills and how to handle their new found wealth as well as giving them the opportunity to meet past and present players. The basis of this event is to give them the skills they need to pursue a successful career in the NFL.
This is the first formal event to become casualty of the NFL Lockout and, with Commissioner Roger Goodell beginning to hint at the first pre season games being cancelled, the whole situation is becoming more and more serious for this season’s rookies. “We’re getting close enough where those will have to be considerations,” was Goodell’s response when asked on the issue of cancelling pre season games. This will further damage the development of all Rookies who rely heavily on pre season to prepare them for their new careers.
The current Lockout situation had already been having its effect on this year’s new additions. Teams are forbidden contact with their draft picks whilst playbooks are still not allowed to be handed out, preventing all Rookies from learning their team’s new systems. Despite privately organised workouts, players are still forbidden to enter team facilities and make use of their services. With training camps looming, time is running out for them to adjust to the new level of play they will be experiencing.
Some Veterans are stepping forward during these tough times by lending Rookies their support. Offensive Guard Logan Mankins of the New England Patriots has had regular contact with the team’s 17th overall Draft choice; Offensive Tackle, Nate Solder. When asked about his conversation with the Rookie he said, “I’m more than willing to help any young guy that needs anything. Look, he’s in a tough situation right now. He doesn’t know what’s going on. He has no coaches to talk to. He’s just trying to make it in this league. If I can help him, I will.”
Mankins’ comments reiterate the tough situation that all Rookies are in right now. Unless the Lockout is resolved, and soon, the argument between Owners and Players could have a resounding effect on these young players in their first year; what some say is the most important year of their career. My view? Don’t expect this to end soon and, despite the likes of Vic Carruci insisting the cancellation of the Symposium is ‘no big sacrifice’, it certainly doesn’t help and provides yet another setback for Rookies in the 2011 season. The longer this goes on, the less impact they will have on teams in their first year!
Article courtesy of Damien Jarrett.
