The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the NFL can lockout players. But, the NFL cannot “lockout” rookies and free agents because there is no “working relationship” between the two parties.
In essence, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has handed the league a key victory.
This comes during a time when players, owners and the commissioner have been meeting to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement with hopes of starting the season on time. The first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 7, less than a month away.
According to The Associated Press, the appellate court ruled on an April 25 decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson, who put the lockout on hold after players argued they were suffering irreparable harm. The appeals court put that order on hold and its final decision said Nelson ignored federal law in reaching her decision.
More to come…
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