Let's keep all the doom and gloom in one place! Here we go! http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/to...ns-im-sure-we-wont-get-a-deal-done-by-july-1/
Man, I hope he's right that they can get this thing done over the summer and not have any loss of games. Given the huge gaps between the two sides, that sounds like a pipe dream to me, but who knows? People like "The HCP" who's work is dependent upon the game are the ones that I don't want to see get hurt by this. Stern and the Player's Association come off like pirates squabbling over a ton of treasure.
Stern is out to bust the union once and for all and setup an NFL-style hard cap with exeptions for large-market teams to keep the Lakers and Celtics on top but not leave the small market teams too far behind. Stern is thinking about his legacy now, as I can't imagine he'll want to do this job for very much longer. I see this upcoming fight to be long, dirty, and painful for all sides, but mostly for the fans.
Kinda old, but informative. The NBA and the Player's Association have until July 1, 2011 to reach a new deal so next Thursday, the countdown begins. With only one year left to negotiate, will the two sides come to the table and avoid a lockout? What are some of the rules and regulations that would come with a work stoppage? Larry Coon, our salary cap guru, has all of the answers. Grab a pencil and prepare to take notes, Lockout 101 is now in session. http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16524
So are most of the production crew, like you, freelance or do they have any contracts? What will happen to you guys if there is a lock out? Are you all SOL?
99% of the crew is freelance and YES, we are fucked! If I was in a bigger market like the Bay Area or LA, we would probably not have any trouble finding work, but in a market like this all we have is OSU/UO or the Blazers! Half to 3/4's of my income comes from Paul Allen! It's not looking good for us if they don't get something done. I already proposed a deal to Nic about me following him around this summer with the French National Team and shooting and editing pieces for him, when I told him he had to put me up in a flat and bring my family over.... he said no thanks! Maybe I could start a landscaping company.
I have no issues with the amount of player contracts. I have a problem with them being guaranteed. How often do we see players get that long term fat contract and then get injured or "retire" on the court. Usually the teams take years to recover. They need to come up with a buyout formula to cut the player. It's also a matter of fact that several teams are losing money. There may need to be some salary adjustment. I think the rookie scale is fine, but the upper end players may need to take a cut. I also like the idea of maybe an across the board pay cut with revenue sharing. If the league has a good year, the players will equally share in the revenue. Clearly, the status quo isn't working. They have to do something.
It is usually the big names/stars that are leading the pack at the beginning. Shit, they got more money then they know what to do with. Once the checks stop coming in, that's when the majority of the players start feeling the heat. I talked to Hersey Hawkins about the last lock-out and he said after awhile, all the players started saying the hell what Scottie Pippin,Reggie Miller and other stars were saying.
If I were the Players Union, I would talk to the players who are set (max or near max contract guys) and ask them to set up a pooled fund for the less well off players to borrow money. Furthermore, I would see if I could get a LOC issued for players insured against players' salaries.
If I were the players union, I start caring more about the younger players and less about the stars. Now, that said, I realize it's the stars that make the NBA what it is, but players at the top of the food chain have an obligation to look out for the other players.
Perhaps I didn't state it clearly enough, but that was my intent to solve that issue. Have the wealthy players essentially loan those players who have an equal vote but are less able to withstand a long strike. Get the union to get a line of credit to loan players money secured by their guaranteed future salary. If the issue is solidarity, then the best strategy is for the wealthy union members to share with those that still haven't secured their fortune.
