Time For Some March Madness

Time is ticking for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFLPA to

reach a new collective bargaining agreement or risk a lockout.

For some, the madness of March has already began. High school across the country are starting basketball playoffs, while bubble teams on the college level are trying to make one final push toward the ever-expanding NCAA field.

And it appears the NFL has caught the madness fever, as well.

The clock continues to tick on the collective bargaining agreement between the players' union and the NFL. In less than three days, either a deal will be reached or the threat of a lockout could make a long offseason even longer.

So, why can't the two sides come together?

One of the main reasons is that the owners want to put a cap on the amount rookies can earn in their first year. What the owners don't understand is that with a cap, their 20-something future prodigies will only be able to afford a couple of Lamborghini's instead of the standard fleet. How will they survive?

Along with the rookie wage scale, there is dispute on how the revenues should be shared. In an effort to help recoup expenses brought on by the season, owners are looking to take $2 billion from the revenue pool – doubling the amount from the current agreement.

Yet, players continue to fight. Why?

A majority of that billion the teams are asking for would go to helping sustaining the league for years to come. With that kind of coin, new stadiums will be built – replacing old, rat-infested places like the Minneapolis Metrodome.

But it isn't just the players who are at fault. The owners have some responsibility, too.

Teams are wanting to extend the regular season to 18 games, with only two preseason games. Even though they are meaningless exhibitions, four preseason games seems right. After all, you wouldn't want your highly overpaid rookies going up against wily veterans with just two games under their belts.

In addition, teams want to eliminate benefits for retired players. Again, this just seems wrong. These players have sacrificed their bodies for you. 

Studies have shown that an exuberant amount of concussions can lead to depression and even death. On top of that, several former players also deal with drug or alcohol addictions. And you want to take away players' benefits, limiting the chance that they can get help? Shame on you NFL.

It's time for both sides to put away their swords and figure out a deal. Players need to stop acting like spoiled children and owners need to stop being so miserly. The NFL has a great thing going, and it would be a shame to lose such a large portion of its fans. Just ask the NBA, NHL and MLB what happens when there's a strike or lockout.