Work Stoppage Does Not Apply To These Packers

The NFL and their rules are stupid.

Here we are in the midst of a lockout, the players no longer have a functioning union, they’re suing the league and the rules dictate players cannot talk to coaches or team executives. Players cannot be at team facilities. No offseason programs can be conducted. Team executives cannot talk to agents.

In other words, we’re all being forced to sit here with our thumbs in our asses while one group of rich pricks bickers with another group of rich pricks.

Ohhhhhhh… wait a minute, though.

The Green Bay Packers announced Tuesday these rules will not apply to quarterback [intlink id=”84″ type=”category”]Matt Flynn[/intlink], linebacker [intlink id=”492″ type=”category”]Desmond Bishop[/intlink], guard Josh Sitton and team president [intlink id=”122″ type=”category”]Mark Murphy[/intlink].

The NFL, in their infinite wisdom, will let these four get together for the Packers annual Tailgate Tour, which will visit five Wisconsin cities May 10-14. Since the tour raises money for charity, the NFL has decided to make an exception to their rules, the caveat being the players cannot discuss anything football-related with Murphy.

Hmmmmm… so I guess there will be a chaperone onboard to eavesdrop on all the conversations?

The more I think about this, the more I think it’s horseshit.

Sure, I understand it’s for a good cause. Sure, I understand fans don’t want to come out to see Murphy and a bunch of retired players, as would have been the case if the NFL hadn’t allowed Flynn, Bishop and Sitton to join the tour.

Here’s what else I understand.

If these assholes would just get back to the negotiating table and work out their differences, rather than filing lawsuits, posturing in the media and name calling like a gaggle of pissy fourth-grade girls on the playground, none of this would be an issue.