NFL lockout: Falcons cut pay of some office staff
If only Arthur Blank and rest of us could see into future on the NFL lockout. (Curtis Compton)
Several NFL teams have announced furloughs or payroll deductions for their office staff and even coaches during the current lockout. The Falcons are no exception.
While owner Arthur Blank has not mandated furloughs or significant cuts, there have been minor payroll reductions to members of the office staff, according to somebody familiar with the organization. The team has not made any announcement regarding the pay cuts, per the organization’s policy of not discussing internal business matters.
Blank, who is as image-conscious as they come, also prefers that this type of news not get out. But the cuts seemed inevitable.
This is a situation worth watching. The longer the lockout goes, the more antsy owners will get. The lack of television, ticket and advertising revenue, as well as other sources of income, at some point will lead to difficult decisions.
The owners are banking on the NFL Players Association cracking first. While players won’t start losing game checks until the regular season begins, many have lost contract bonuses for organized team workouts. It’s the reason owners have fought so hard for the lockout in court.
Coaches are siding with the players. The NFL Coaches Association has filed a 20-page legal brief in support of the union (you can read it here).
They have a vested interest. The Detroit Lions have begun two-week furloughs that affect all employees, including coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew.
Among the other teams that have slashed payroll, mandated furloughs or are considering one or the other are the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. (Thanks to ProFootballTalk.com for the reporting and aggregation of other teams’ plans.)
Final editorial comment: There is something wrong when low-salaried secretaries are paying the price for a collective bargain war between billionaire owners and millionaire players. That’s something both sides need to think about.
By Jeff Schultz
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189 comments Add your comment
DC
May 26th, 2011
11:21 am
First
DC
May 26th, 2011
11:25 am
I felt dirty doing that..im not doing that ever again!
David
May 26th, 2011
11:28 am
sloppy seconds
PMC
May 26th, 2011
11:28 am
The thing I don’t get about all of this…..they haven’t lost any money. True, they only really make money during the season but no money not one dime has been lost yet. This is extremist and this from the healthiest league in America.
Wait until the NBA goes into full blood letting mode.
JP
May 26th, 2011
11:30 am
Hmmm … sadly I don’t foresee the financial well-being of an office secretary being high on someone like Antonio Cromartie’s list of priorities. Unless, of course, she’s one of the 6 mothers of one of his 7 illegitimate children across 5 states. Because then that might mean he’d have to pay more child support.
DC
May 26th, 2011
11:31 am
I see the owners giving in before the players…its pretty sad the way all of this is going down..but we all should be prepared for the NBA lockout coming soon.
Jeff, EXTREMELY off topic but..have you read the Mayor’s comments in regards to losing the Thrashers? Said that there are some things in the works to offset them losing…kind of hinting at another sports team coming to ATL…
My only guess would be that the MLS is coming to ATL..but that would mean someone with pockets..IE Mr. Arthur Blank and Co. is willing to shell out the 40 mill to add an expansion team. Have you heard anything on that front? I also know David Beckham can be owner of the 20th team..which would be this one coming up. I for one would be first in line to buy season tickets to MLS soccer in ATL..
Rochelle
May 26th, 2011
11:31 am
I agree! There is also a serious problem when educators are making far less than athletes! Here are these over paid football players tripping over more $. That’s so sad…Yet the office staff has to suffer because of their greed! This nation is so unbalanced! Remember that the children ARE our future!
jasonthecloser
May 26th, 2011
11:31 am
someone forgot to hit spel chek
PMC
May 26th, 2011
11:31 am
I’m kind of hoping that we lose some of the season at this point just to screw the owners a bit too.
We could have continued on with this agreement for a couple of more years… but no…. let’s go ahead and ruin what was good and working fine.
mike
May 26th, 2011
11:32 am
Shame on Arthur Blank! **** you and the stadium you want me to pay for..
JoeV
May 26th, 2011
11:32 am
@DC
…that’s what she said.
been there, done that
May 26th, 2011
11:34 am
thanks for remembering the staff. I worked for the orchestra for years pulling 50-60 hour weeks at under $30K a year while they worked less than 20 huors a week and start at over $60K. Its just how it is when you have to support ‘The Talent’. Just transfer this to every sports team in town….
While I sympathize with the Falcons staff…lets not forget the Thrashers folks too. When the team doesnt play or leaves town it effects more than just those on the sidelines.
Atlanta Blue
May 26th, 2011
11:34 am
I am contracted as a “Game Day Employee” of the Falcons. Without games, I haven’t lost anything yet, but I sure will come August if they aren’t back on the field.
When elephants fight, mice get trampled.
Awful, Awful, Awful
May 26th, 2011
11:35 am
You know, I couldn’t care less if they never played again. These players are pitiful, overpaid thugs (there are some exceptions) who will never be able to make it in the real world. Their union, along with all the other unions in this country should be outlawed……they’re ruining our country….period.
DC
May 26th, 2011
11:36 am
Too Shay JoeV too shay!
Miss Helen Highwater
May 26th, 2011
11:36 am
Well, at least some of the Falcon’s players are able to supplement the loss of their player salaries by doing what they would have been doing anyway had they not become football players, selling crack or pimping.
NFL lockout: Falcons cut pay of some office staff – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Sports Minute
May 26th, 2011
11:37 am
[...] NFL lockout: Falcons cut pay of some office staffAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)If only Arthur Blank and rest of us could see into future on the NFL lockout. (Curtis Compton) Several NFL teams have announced furloughs or payroll deductions for their office staff and even coaches during the current lockout. …NFL coaches add their voices to labor fightYahoo! Sports (blog)Commissioner says lockout is having negative effect on NFL fansLos Angeles TimesBigger rosters in NFL?Boston GlobeWashington Post -phillyBurbs.com -Boston Heraldall 2,350 news articles » [...]
JP
May 26th, 2011
11:37 am
What I don’t particularly understand is the PR battle between the owners and the players, wanting to get the fans on their side. What does it matter whose side fans take? It isn’t like we can sway either group one way or the other. And when it comes to buying tickets/merchandise, even if fans only got disillusioned with one group or the other, it’s not like we could possibly withhold our money in a way that would only hurt one side, players or owners. These people do realize that they’re all tied together at the end of the day, right?
Rochelle
May 26th, 2011
11:40 am
The FAILcons can’t play anyway…hahahahahahahaha!
Honky Talkin'
May 26th, 2011
11:42 am
The millionaires versus the billionaires….who gets hurt? The regular people with regular jobs. Freakin’ Disgsuting!!
COJones
May 26th, 2011
11:45 am
I don’t understand. I’ve sent them my $. And no games or even preseason games have been lost. They’re saving money on medical coverage & facilities maintenance. But they’ve got to lay off staff? And all this because the players simply want what they had before, not less. Seriously? smh.
RossAlacqua
May 26th, 2011
11:45 am
Completely agree that there’s something wrong with lower-level employees taking a hit because of the lockout. Millionaires/Billionaires fighting over that extra million while that $30,000/year employee takes paycut. Priorities way off.
Covers Dixie like the Dew
May 26th, 2011
11:47 am
A simple solution:
A federal law should be passed forcing all NFL teams to be a non-profit, community owned franchise like the Green Bay Packers.
Hankie Aron
May 26th, 2011
11:47 am
Jeff- Your’e on a roll along with the Bradley. Great story. I can’t understand why the 30k secretary or 25k janitor should be furloughed or lose pay for the owners and players sake. It’s disgusting. I LOVE almost all sports, but I am getting really disenfranchised with the garbage that comes along with. What am I going to do, take up underwater basket weaving? Know of any professional leagues doing that?
Pinball34
May 26th, 2011
11:49 am
The “Mayor” can run his yap all he wants, but it’s not hockey he’s bragging about. STFU, rookie…
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
11:51 am
Jeff, better yet if my opinion means anything and “THE NFL FANS” are listening. 1) Don’t buy any season tickets, at least until this BS CBA is settled 2) Don’t sign any agreement to buy before you “THE FAN” knows there will be a NFL season 3) If you need a sports “Fix” go watch the PEEWEE’s, High School & College
This will send a BIG message to the “Primadonas” —- both sides of the table!
GO FALCONS
Roger
May 26th, 2011
11:52 am
Jeff- when you find out names of the people who were cut, can you let us know?
Vain Jangling
May 26th, 2011
11:55 am
Them secretaries and ball boys is making too much money anyways. I just want folks like Dez Bryant and Jerry Richardson to be happy. Why can’t we all just get along?
PMC
May 26th, 2011
11:56 am
We haven’t even mentioned the cost savings in bonuses that were not paid out.
Roster Bonuses for guys like Spoon alone would pay for half the office staff.
Peter
May 26th, 2011
11:58 am
Arthur is getting cheap on his staff….. Typical………Billionaire getting cheap !
savannahdawg
May 26th, 2011
12:00 pm
I really don’t care about either side or their issues. All of you are greedy and that’s the bottom. You can spin it any way you choose…….you make millions of dollars……..you can afford your own damn healthcare. Take all that money you have and try saving it, instead of living in a castle, with six cars. If you get hurt and your career ends early, put your education to good use and get a real job. If you left early becuase of your greed and didn’t finish college……..that’s your problem.
Here is an idea………stop reporting about this stupidness! Let’s ignore these over-paid, greedy loving, can’t get enough idiots……….That means the owners and the players. There is plenty of other sports to take up my free time with.
JOSH SMITH FOR 3!!!
May 26th, 2011
12:04 pm
@DC: The Beckhams are considering naming their daughter “Atlanta.”
Btw, the line for MLS season tickets starts behind me.
RedTornado
May 26th, 2011
12:04 pm
Everyone wants to bash the millionaire athletes and billionaire owners, but they provide job opportunites for thousands of people. The cities benefit from increased tourism. I’m an NFL / Atlanta Falcon fan. I will continue to support it. No one likes to see someone lose their job and hopefully the lockout will end and people will be rehired.
GTT
May 26th, 2011
12:05 pm
Think you meant payroll reductions sted deductions in your lede. Cheers.
Not a Hockey Fan or a Soccer Fan
May 26th, 2011
12:05 pm
DC– It won’t make any real difference even if you are at the end of the line to buy MLS season tickets since there won’t be more than 9 people ahead of you. For goodness sake don’t bring soccer here. It’s as worthless as hockey. All of you residents that just have to have hockey or soccer, just move to Canada; move to England; just move. We won’t miss you anymore than we’ll miss hockey or soccer.
Face Ripper Monkey 2012!
May 26th, 2011
12:06 pm
Can the owners get any stupider? The coaches are behind the players, the fans are behind the players and now, most certainly, all office and administrative staff will be behind the players.
Billionaires alienating themselves from the fan base. Brilliant.
Baddabing
May 26th, 2011
12:06 pm
A sad commentary on our “Me First” society. Thank you Mark Richt for walking the walk.
scfalc
May 26th, 2011
12:07 pm
Absurd. The amount of money gained by such a cut is insignificant to the overall operation.
jay
May 26th, 2011
12:07 pm
So lets slash the salaries of the guys making $32K per year while we battle it out with the guys making millions.
Atlanta-made 1951
May 26th, 2011
12:07 pm
The pros lost me a long time ago.
But they replaced me with others so that loss didn’t matter to them.
I still won though in my mind.
I’m not paying any overpaid millionaire’s salary.
All I have to worry about is college coaches pay and that’s enough.
Truth
May 26th, 2011
12:08 pm
Ray Lewis should be in jail
money magic
May 26th, 2011
12:08 pm
blank is a billionaire–he shouldn’t be cutting any salaries. he has plenty of cash to keep paying the same amounts.
Bone Meal
May 26th, 2011
12:10 pm
That’s the way it’s done in the US of A…soldiers pay for the crimes of their commanding officers, CEO’s walk away from broken companies with hundred million dollar bonuses while the working Joe gets canned, the middle class tax burden grows while the rich whine for bigger tax cuts.
Nothing new here.
Atlanta-made 1951
May 26th, 2011
12:10 pm
It was difficult to convict Ray’s posse of the two murders because all the witnesses were lowlifes whose perceptions on drugs were not very convincing.
The defendant’s attorneys were better too.
Atlanta-made 1951
May 26th, 2011
12:12 pm
I agree with money magic.
Arthur Blank
May 26th, 2011
12:14 pm
I’m rich. Deal with it!
tokyobrave
May 26th, 2011
12:15 pm
I am as anti union as anyone in today’s world, but if Blank allows this to happen when he himself can cut a check out of his own pocket to cover the payroll until this id over is below the belt. there are no winners here…but thuis is just pitiful and I am ashamed to be a Falcon fan at this point…are you kidding me?
The players too have a responsibility…each should contribute something based on their salary to keep these people whole…. owners and players…how much is that watch really worth when kids in your front office will suffer because of your greed and arrognace?
Matt Ryan
May 26th, 2011
12:15 pm
hi guys
At least Blank will pay my salary
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
12:17 pm
“FOLKS” Get a life —- “THERE IS NO HONOR AMONGST THIEVES” —- both side of the table!
E-Roll
May 26th, 2011
12:18 pm
I am getting REALLY tired of everyone talking about how greedy the players are.
The OWNERS are the one that opted out of the current deal to try to get a better deal.
The OWNERS are the one that are asking the players to contribute more to the amount that the OWNERS take off of the top before the money is split.
THE OWNERS are the ones that would not accept a 50 / 50 split that was proposed by the players that would have lead to the OWNERS getting 10% more of the pie AFTER they took their billion off of the top.
THE OWNERS are the ones that put all of this in motion by taking less money from the last TV deal so that they could have the provision that they still get paid in case of a stoppage in play.
Now the players have so fault in this also but please stop trying to paint them to be the ones that are greddy when it is the OWNERS that want more and more and more.
Question for Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
12:18 pm
When do NFL front offices “realize” their money from tv contracts, nfl marketing, etc ?? I contend that the bulk of their finances is year round and not tied specifically to ticket sales or gate revenue. If that is the case, aren’t all of these NFL front offices merely grand standing by saying “see, we’re taking pay cuts as well” when in fact, the need to do so is optional at this point ?
Don Garber
May 26th, 2011
12:18 pm
I’d be better off putting a third team in NYC. Screw you, fair-weather fans.
Mark (another one)
May 26th, 2011
12:20 pm
When baseball struck I paid little attention. They cancelled the end of the season, and I got used to finding other entertainment. I used to attend two or three games a week and now I do one or two a season. Its not a decision I made. It just ended up that way. I go to a lot more minor league and college games.
When Basketball struck, I was a rapid fan. I have been to two games since. Its too expensive and not as entertaining. My son was a fan until he had beer poured on him and was ignored by the ushers. We may watch a few games on TV but I prefer college ball. The teams are more disciplined and there is more teamwork.
Football has always been a favorite. We attend all UGA homegames and we travel when possible. Even when we travel we figure out how to watch on TV. I am a Falcons fan and my wife and I were discussing season tickets. That has stopped.
Professional sports need to understand that for some of us, the strikes cause us to look elsewhere for entertainment, and the raised prices drive us further away. Many of us catch the games on TV if there isn’t something better to do, but the fighting between the rich makes us think of them all as spoiled. And once the damage is done, the sport or individuals may never recover.
If you doubt this, listen to the fans boo everytime Tom Glavine is introduced in Atlanta. The man is a hall of fame pitcher who spent most of his career here, but even when the fans return, they don’t forget.
Professional sports needs to remember that they are businesses and the customers are the fans. I’m sure they will give us some lip service after the strike but strikes do damage. I for one will always vote against anyone that wants to put public money into stadiums without some guarantee for the public.
Blank wants a new stadium and he wants public money. No. Maybe LA has it right. No public money for stadiums.
Matt Ryan
May 26th, 2011
12:23 pm
People do realize that OWNERS of Businesses are suppose to make more $$ than employees
its a common practice in everyday life
fansince74
May 26th, 2011
12:24 pm
It is not the owners fault if the players don’t know how to be responsible and manage their money. Giving them more is not how you better this situation.
Jim
May 26th, 2011
12:27 pm
At this point in time, with the economy the way it is, It’s unconcionable that both sides are letting pure ‘greed’ destroy the NFL Brand. As far as I personally am concerned…I don’t care if they EVER play another game…I’ve still got Collegiate football to follow, which I prefer anyway. Its a shame that things have come to this point, but they will ‘reap what they have sewn’
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
12:31 pm
Hey E-Roll if you have NO owners – what do you have? Answer, No NFL! E-Roll back the bus up baby, the last time i looked this is a majority “PRIVATELY OWNED” National Football League. With exception of the Green Packers, they are publicly hailed by the citizery of Wis. E-Roll – baby its like this “now listen carefully”
“THERE IS NO HONOR AMONGST THIEVES” —- ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE!
Now E-Roll chew on that for while, take a deep breathe and get a life “BABY”
There will “FOOTBALL THIS YEAR”!
chipontheroadbirdsrus
May 26th, 2011
12:32 pm
In the words of Hank JR “are you readdy for some football”
Sherry
May 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
Ok! Correct me if I am wrong here. The Owners(own) the ball team. Owners are in it to make money.
Players are way over rated and not worth what they are paid. No players is worth some of these salaries they are asking. You Players are Greedy Bas****s. I say we put players in there who want to play for the love of the game. I am all for salary top outs…..
fansince74
May 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
The owners were the ones who in 2009, had a potentially fork out over 4 billion dollars in salaries that had to be paid out if every team maximized its $123 million salary cap. That’s for players only and for ONE year!
And the plot thickens
May 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
Arthur Blank you are cheap. All the money you have and now you want to cut salaries. Hell dude that’s chump change to you.
E-Roll
May 26th, 2011
12:48 pm
Guys you miss the point the owners are making profits year in and year out so they are not in danger of losing the ability to operate their teams. The value of the Falcons have gone from the $545 million that he paid for them in 2001 to a value of $831 million according to Forbes last year.
The players are not asking for one red cent more and have even proposed giving some of the money back but the owners decided that they amount was not enough for them.
Matt Ryan – I agree that owners are supposed to make more money and they are already doing that and more but you can not ask for more money off the top, a rookie salary cap where the money goes to the owners and an increase of 20% of the divided portion without giving on anything.
Mid Town Joe
May 26th, 2011
12:49 pm
Tennis anyone?
fansince74
May 26th, 2011
12:52 pm
FYI: if the players get what they want the cost for the fans is going up!
DC
May 26th, 2011
12:53 pm
not too quick on the uptake huh Marcel..haha
Hey Marcel
May 26th, 2011
12:53 pm
DC
May 26th, 2011
11:36 am
Too Shay JoeV too shay!
*************************************************
Just for future reference:
Touché
Booger Fling
May 26th, 2011
12:53 pm
All the teams should just call the White House and ask for a bailout. The government is charitable when it comes to bailing out the BIG fish in this society.
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
12:54 pm
Sherry Baby, oh Sherry Baby, i am sorry to tell you are “WRONG SHERRY BABY” —- Honey in the NFL there 32 teams. There roughly 1,700 players, “THE FINEST FOOTBALL ATHELETES ON THE GLOBAL”! The owners basically bid on ALL these players services, the highest bider get’s the player, “VERY SIMPLE”, right! WRONG, there is no honor amongst thieves…………….
Hey Marcel
May 26th, 2011
12:55 pm
I still don’t believe employee’s have a right to examine the owners books in a privately held company. I don’t even believe they have a right to ask.
E-Roll
May 26th, 2011
12:57 pm
True Falcon Fan – First of all love the name and second of all I have already said that both sides are to blame and have fault but I see too many posts where people are saying how greedy the players are when it the players that are giving up some of their earned revenue but not enough for the owners.
Fansince74 – if that had happened the owners would have still made a profit because they are getting money off the top before we even get to the revenue sharing and the league made 7.8 billion in that year so they would have been OK.
E-Roll
May 26th, 2011
12:57 pm
fansince74 – fans would not pay move if the players get their way because they are not asking for more money they are just looking to move money from rookies to vets and fund health care for past, present as well as future players while at the same time giving back 10% of the money that was given to them in the last collective bargined agreement.
Hey Marcel
May 26th, 2011
12:59 pm
I guess it will be fun to enjoy weekends camping out with my family this fall, Sunday drives in the mountains, hiking the AT, renting chalets in Dillard, trying to enjoy window shopping in Cashiers and Highlands, I might even start going to church.
The Ghost of Norm Van Brocklin
May 26th, 2011
1:02 pm
Pardon me, but I am not guzzling the Kool-Aid offered up by the owners or by the players.
Let the summer roll on and let autumn come along. I doubt the owners’ lifestyle will suffer. I doubt the responsible players’ lifestyles will suffer. I have no doubt that the thug-like players will find a way to find money.
I’ll be content watching minor league.., uh, I mean, college, football.
Reid Adair
May 26th, 2011
1:02 pm
You’re absolutely right, Jeff. Hard-working people who may struggle to get by are the ones really suffering in this situation.
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
1:05 pm
@Hey Marcel – i agree 100% – the owners knew this issue was coming two years – “so much said for the great planner” hey
@E-Roll – Don’t cha just luv those Falcons today, man i do! I just don’t get myself caught-up in the manutia BS re: CBA – to me both sides are thieves. The NFL fan should send the biggest message now today tellem’ “FU” — “We are NOT re-upping our season tickets & stick to there guns”!!!!! Have a GOOD DAY – E-Roll
Asdf124
May 26th, 2011
1:07 pm
“Ok! Correct me if I am wrong here. The Owners(own) the ball team. Owners are in it to make money.
Players are way over rated and not worth what they are paid. No players is worth some of these salaries they are asking. You Players are Greedy Bas****s. I say we put players in there who want to play for the love of the game. I am all for salary top outs…..”
You are wrong. The owners get a massive profit – the amount of $ the players on a team make can be added all together, and guess what? The owner STILL makes their zillions. You see, it’s supply and demand; the player ks may be high, but those figures are calculated into the owners budget. In other words, if the players are paid less, that merely means more ridiculous profit for owners.
By the way, you Republicans should love this; all you care about is lining the pockets of the rich at the expense of the poor and middle class. I’m surprised you aren’t berating these secretaries/etc. for not working hard enough to get a better job; not enough personal responsibility – they should be grateful that Mr. Blank is successful enough to give them jobs, huh? Let’s have our tax dollars go to pay for a new stadium so Mr Blank gets more profit. Long live the rich!!!!
Jimmy Crack
May 26th, 2011
1:08 pm
Good article Jeff, I hope your source doesn’t get caught and become a casualty.
If anybody wants to boycott something, a good start is to boycott NFLShop.com.
Staying away from games is a fool’s move for it will only lead to television blackouts and half empty stadiums filled with opposing fans. And who do you think buys up all those nose bleed seats every Thursday by the deadline? Arthur and his equally image conscious friends of course! Boycott instead avenues of the owners’ money, like the NFL Shop.
W
May 26th, 2011
1:10 pm
You Republicans should love this; all you care about is lining the pockets of the rich at the expense of the poor and middle class. I’m surprised you aren’t berating these secretaries/etc. for not working hard enough to get a better job; not enough personal responsibility – they should be grateful that Mr. Blank is successful enough to give them jobs, huh? Let’s have our tax dollars go to pay for a new stadium so Mr Blank gets more profit. Long live the rich!!!!
Not a basketball fan
May 26th, 2011
1:15 pm
can’t wait for NBA to have a lockout and fire all those thugs. Always yelling racism when the majority of thier stupid fans are of a different color. Hockey would thrive in Atlatna if it were in an arena in Gwinnett or Cobb. As for the NFL-if youplayers cannot live on 5 mill a yr- you are sniffing too much salt! Take your bonus money, put half in a ROTH IRA and the other half in TAX FREE Muni Bonds. Do the same with 20% of your weekly paycheck and you can retire RICH after 8-10 years. As for y’all blaming the owners-do yo ucomplain like this to your Boss? The owners are paying the bills- the insurance, the mortgage, the salaries, etc. They OWN the place so it is THEIR rules. If the players don’t like it, find another job. The owners have their money at risk. Yes- they need to build their own stadiums or finance it thru their own bonds, but the players only lookout for themselves. Salaries in a normal business setting should not be more than 30 percent of the gross. This 50-50 BS is wrong. YOU chose this career, you deal with it. The owners can close the franchise if they want. here’s the salary players- take it and play or find a job at ESPN.
Jerious Norwood
May 26th, 2011
1:17 pm
You forgot to mention that not only is arthur cutting office staff’s $$$$, I’m sure he is also helping Georgia’s unemployment rate go up by firing people on his staff!
Mark
May 26th, 2011
1:22 pm
At least Blank knows what clueless folks don’t, that football is not a sport, but a cold, hard gladiatorial collision entertainment business and nothing more.
W
May 26th, 2011
1:27 pm
“can’t wait for NBA to have a lockout and fire all those thugs. Always yelling racism when the majority of thier stupid fans are of a different color.”
Wow. I did you catch your own irony/hypocrisy here? I wonder what you mean by “thug.” The usual connotation of that term, when not used in a racist manner, is “criminal.” so are you being racist or are you calling all NBA players criminals? Or is there some other meaning my tiny mind can’t comprehend?
Paul
May 26th, 2011
1:28 pm
AJC please use spell-check: “Among the other teams taht…”
Thinkaboutthat
May 26th, 2011
1:44 pm
It’s not who you sleep with, it’s who you wake up with. You think about that.
Beef Stroganoff in a Bowl
May 26th, 2011
1:44 pm
First……The owners are not in this to make money. They are in this because it is one of the most exclusive clubs ever. It’s a huge accomplishment to own a professional sports franchise. Even more so if it is an NFL franchise.
Yes, they want to make money…..Who doesn’t? To say the only reason they are in the NFL is to make money is false. I want the owners to succeed. I also want the players to be compensated.
Look at a player after 10 years in the league, and an owner after 10 years in the league. Tell me who is better off?
Doo Rag
May 26th, 2011
1:46 pm
Hey beef, I think some of the smoke from the firepit got to ya. Yo, it’s all about the benjamins. Winning a championship is definitely secondary.
question
May 26th, 2011
1:47 pm
Are there any other business out there other than MLB and the NBA that pay SOME of the employees such a huge percentage of revenue?
I seriously doubt it. No sympathy here for the players.
W
May 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
“Are there any other business out there other than MLB and the NBA that pay SOME of the employees such a huge percentage of revenue?
I seriously doubt it. No sympathy here for the players.”
Law firms. Partnerships. Professional corporations; doctors, dentist, etc. And no, I don’t feel sorry for the players, but the owners deserve even less sympathy.
Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
DC — No idea what mayor talking about although there’s talk of an MLS team I think. Haven’t paid attention, to be honest.
Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
Roger — I’m guessing the folks who had their pay cut would rather not be named. They want to keep their jobs.
Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
Thanks, Hankie.
Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
Matt Ryan — Actually, sir, you’re not being paid either. Except for your product endorsements (which should be sufficient).
Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
2:01 pm
Jimmy Crack — Thank you, sir.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
2:04 pm
Cut Players Salaries and give raises to the personnel that want to work.
The Billions OWNERS split pay many many more salaries than the Players that blow their money on Smoke, Trashy Women (ie. Kim Z), too Grand Houses, and Cars.
Jay Dubu
May 26th, 2011
2:05 pm
A lot of the players are not in the millionair club. Granted they’re making way above minimum wage, those are the players that will be hurt the most, the quickest.
Jay Dubu
May 26th, 2011
2:05 pm
The players are the product in sports, and thus shopuld be compensated for their contributions to the revenue stream.
The players have a very short career on average, and a lot of them will be hurt beyond repair by this stoppage if it goes into the season.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
I bet if NFL, NBA, & MLB Players were paid a lot less, then they would not have so many kids and Baby mamas to pay for.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
2:12 pm
J Dubu
if you were paid $400k over 16 weeks don’t you think you could buy a $400k home (now costing 125k) and a nice car with money leftover for the rest of the year? Listen to the PLANS and Dreams Kroy and Kim Z have. They think they need to RENT a $3 Million Dollar home to be part of the IN CROWD of Pro Athletes. They could buy the house across from my parents in Sandy Springs for $305k with 5 bedrooms 4 1/2 baths, 2 car garage, Swimming pool, great public and private schools close. See many NFL players don’t think that way.
Mass Dawg
May 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
This just goes to show you how greedy these owners are. This is the same organization, led by a multi-millionaire, who is holding the city of Atlanata hostage to build a new stadium. A new stadium so Arthur can make more money for himself. Meanwhile, Fulton County and the City of Atlanta can’t fund its retirement plans, pay its teachers, and patrol the streets. Yet we’re going to spend $900 million dollars of the tax payers money to fund a facility that gets used 11 times a year.
I equate these guys to CEO’s of big companies, who lay off thousands and then grant themselves a big raise.
Wrong blog
May 26th, 2011
2:16 pm
Oh well.
Melkey’s numbers: .281, 6 Hrs, 29 RBIs, 28 runs scored, and even 5 SBs which on the Braves would be considered, if not fast, then adroit on the base paths.
But why keep a good player for 3 million when you can toss 12 down the toilet instead?
Who Cares?
May 26th, 2011
2:20 pm
@ Mark (another one),May 26th, 2011, 12:20 pm, I’m with you 1,000%!! You spoke my mind to a “Tee” regarding professional sports! If you’re hiring, I’m looking! Finally, someone gets it spot on!
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
2:23 pm
Mass DAWG
The ATL doesn’t need to complain about Blank. Fulton Co. and ATL waste so much TAX Payer moeny it ain’t even funny. Arther BUILT HOME DEPOT with his own 2 Hands. he and Marcus made their money the HARD WAY. Pro Athletes not so much. If they have Short careers then they should have used thet FREE education to get a DEGREE in something other than P.E., Housing, Turf Management, or Child and Family Development.
I can’t feel sorry for a MAN getting paid more than a Teacher for playing a child’s game.
Mr. Blank doesn’t deserve a new Stadium unless he pays for it, but the problems with the cities and counties is total mismanagement of tax paid money.
Roger
May 26th, 2011
2:26 pm
Jeff- sorry…..I didn’t read the article closely. I intially thought some front office staff was laid off.
CDawg42
May 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
I don’t care which side is to blame, the millionaires or the billionaires. Bottom line is this is DESPICABLE to have the low people on the totem pole take a hit because of this foolishness….and this from a diehard NFL fan….
W
May 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
5150 UOAD, why does it matter what they spend their personal income are. There are a lot of professional athletes who do invest and create financial security for themselves. Many, as you say, do not. Why does it matter to you if a fool wastes his money? Tha has nothing to do with what the market will bare. You can say they are being overpaid, but it seems your issue is how they spend it. Very curious…
BAND FROM FALCONS MESSAGE BOARD
May 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
I HOPE IT WAS SOME OF THOSE MINI MODS THAT GOT LAID OFF. THEY BAND ME FOR NO REASON.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
2:35 pm
W
They think they are WORTH more than they really are. THAT IS THE POINT. If you know your chances for having your job for 4 yrs or less then of course you ask for 4x what you have proven you are worth, but the owners shouldn’t give in to the just out of college players. They should have to Urinate in the Cup every month at least once to keep their job too. The CBA has made players like 2 yr olds. They wine and they get what they want and then the parents wonder why they have a Spoiled Brat. The owners are trying to be good parents and teach the children some respect and responsibility. If the players don’t like it, then they need to get together and start their OWN league or join the UFL ( whatever the new football league is called) and take all the RISK.
woebegonecadre5
May 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
I paid $32.67 for a XBOX 360 and my mom got a 17 inch Toshiba laptop for $94.83 being delivered to our house tomorrow by FedEX. I will never again pay expensive retail prices at stores. I even sold a 46 inch HDTV to my boss for $650 and it only cost me $52.78 to get. Here is the website we using to get all this stuff, http://BidsWork.com
tim
May 26th, 2011
2:41 pm
This shows that he owners don’t know how to run a business, especially since they haven’t lost any revenue yet.
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
2:43 pm
Is there anybody out ther in cyberspace with a fricking brain??
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
@TFF
ther?
fricking?
I don’t have a brain because I can’t read what you are trying to write.
Try spelling better or using words.
W
May 26th, 2011
3:03 pm
“The owners are trying to be good parents and teach the children some respect and responsibility.”
5150 UOAD, are you serious? They want more profit. They want to have the players play two extra games with no extra compensation. Again, I’m not saying the players aren’t greedy, but again, that has nothing to do with what they spend their money on. You seem to think that if they bought a $350,000 house and invested, they wouldn’t want to be paid the same figures they are asking for now. By the way, Mr. Tom Brady, who is basically front and center for the player’s association on all this, invests quite well. I’m sure he’s not the “type” of player you are referring to when you paint these broad brush strokes. I’ll repeat, I think the players aren’t worthy necessarily of the sums they want, but that has nothing to do with your assertions on their lifestyles
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
3:15 pm
@Jeff — keep hammering buddy – someone will crater soon – probably will be players first. However a weak link in ownership may fall in your lap too. Jeff, Stay the course as it relates to a “solution” – stay away from the manutia of the “problem” that’s what the NFL & The players “President” wants you the media to focus on, is the problems. The “solution” is “THE FANS” if somehow someway we could collectively organize “The Fans” – stick together “don’t re-up season tickets, don’t buy NFL.com brands” – lock them out “shut them down” – I assure you the players & the owners will get the message very loud & clear!
Thanks, Jeff —- put the hammer down baby!
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
3:17 pm
Let’s make it fun. REAL RULES with REAL CONSEQUENCES.
Any College Student Athlete that signs a NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB contract has to 1) Pay the college he attended, the cost of a 4 yr scholarship with his first pay check. It doesn’t matter if he was on a partial, full, academic, or HOPE(in Georgia). That should lower the cost of future student Athletes imposed on Alumni. 2) They have to submit to 48 Drug Screens/ yr at their own expense. This massive amount of Drug Testing will lower the cost or allow the testers to develop better test to catch cheaters. 3) The second time a player is arrested they are out of the league the day of the Arrest until they are found Guilty or Not Guilty. 4) Convicted FELONS are no longer Hire-able. The Pro athletes should have the same troubles (regular people with a record have) getting a job. 5) No player will have his NAME on the back of a Jersey. It is a team game. If you don’t know the players without a name on the jersey then you are not a REAL FAN anyway.
CRAZY I know. Why not try to get some part of society to live by rules and laws for making the money they make. Politicians have about a 4yr life span. So, why should Pro Athletes be any different?
I am so tired of trying to explain to my Niece and Nephews why the RULES and LAWS matter. Why it is better in life to HAVE Character than to be a Character ie. Ochocinco, Vick, Rothlessburger, Bozworth, and the likes.
GO PACK GO!
May 26th, 2011
3:19 pm
Packers… owned by the people… not 31 greedy billionaires.
Arthur Blank
May 26th, 2011
3:20 pm
Let them eat cake !
PMC
May 26th, 2011
3:23 pm
5150 how much money are people paying to see Jerry Jones?
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
@W
The Pre-Season is an OK point, but I say that the NEW THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES are more detrimental to the players than Pre-Season games played by Wanta-Be’s. The NFL trying to STEAL Thursday Night form Colleges is a bad Idea. TNF is too fast for those big guys bodies to rest-up, see enough film, and travel. What is harder on the BODY? Playing maybe 4-5 qtrs in pre-season games or in week 8-12 playing on Sunday in ATL, then being in Philly for a Thursday Night game?
braves fan
May 26th, 2011
3:26 pm
I agree Jeff. Its always the one who puts in the most work and behind the scenes that get the pay cut/lay off first. funny the way it is…Dave Matthews.
Are Braves affected by transition from Cox to Gonzalez? | Jeff Schultz
May 26th, 2011
3:26 pm
[...] – NFL lockout: Falcons cut pay of some office staff [...]
bigdawg
May 26th, 2011
3:28 pm
Hey, don’t get on the players! They are being locked out by the owners. THE PLAYERS ARE NOT ON STRIKE. Also, unless you’re being disingenious, if you had the skills to play professional sports you’d want to be paid the maximum you could get, right!?!
Junior Samples
May 26th, 2011
3:30 pm
me thinks it’s time to pay everyone the same salary with a cap of $50000. all that will be left are those that love the game.
bigdawg
May 26th, 2011
3:33 pm
You’re right, Junior! However, who is going to go to those games? What network is going to pay for broadcast rights? What companies will sponsor a sport that doesn’t draw fans!
Your solution is quaint, but not a real-world answer!
Don Garber
May 26th, 2011
3:36 pm
Single-entity control is the way to go. No negotiation necessary.
Stupid pointy ball fans.
Atlanta Native
May 26th, 2011
3:42 pm
Arthur Blank is a douche………he has at least two classes to everything. I wonder if he is maintaining his salary.
I remember watching him push his, whay is now his ex-star quarterback along the team sideline in his wheelchair only to end up with egg on his face.
I held season tickets for over a dozen years, through thick and mostly thin supporting our Falcons. The season after the Vick debacle he reduced the ticket prices in all sections except for what is considered the premium sections. I ended my season ticket holding the next year when it became apparent to me that he really doesn’t care about the people, fans and now obviously his employees.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
3:47 pm
PMC
How much are the Players paying for their Baby mama Brats?
How MUCH can Jerry’s Kids afford to build the STAGE the people pay to see them play on?
VICK FAN
May 26th, 2011
3:49 pm
Im ready for sum football! Ready to see Mike Vick do his thang!!
Drexel Gal
May 26th, 2011
3:53 pm
Enough about the NFL lockout! Let’s turn our attention to a REAL sport — bullfighting.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
3:54 pm
bigdawg
For the RIGHT and SAFTY to play the game in the US; the Pro Athletes OWE every US Serviceman and woman 1/3 their salary, 1/3 to the owners that make the business possible, and they can live on the last 1/3.
SEAL TEAM 6 members make less than 90k on average/yr and you think a Pro Athlete trains HARDER or is even 1/10th as smart as a Green Beret, Ranger, Seal, or Delta Force member?
Drexel Gal
May 26th, 2011
3:55 pm
There is ONE major difference between an NFL player and a member of Seal Team 6. The NFL players were DRAFTED.
Now We Don't Have To Worry About A New Stadium!
May 26th, 2011
4:09 pm
After only 3 months of a lockout, Arthur decides to cut his staff pay. I willing to bet that most of them probably makes less than 2% of his pay.
With that being said, lets see how he responds when taxpayers deny his request to build a new stadium. It makes no sense to ask taxpayers to pay for a new stadium after 3 years of recession, maybe after a 3 month strike, but not a major recession.
However, if Arthur still attempts to persuade tax payers to pay 1/2 for a stadium that will go up on ticket prices, then he’s one selfish owner.
Would not bother me
May 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
Would not bother me or be any skin off my nose is the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers all packed up, left town and never played another game in Atlanta – they all are overpaid prima donna’s that don’t deserve any level of pay that high…..wish they all lost their jobs and had to go to work like regular folk.
ex-season ticket holder
May 26th, 2011
4:16 pm
They should pay the staff with the season ticket holders money that was already paid. Better yet, return it if there isn’t a season.
tilly
May 26th, 2011
4:25 pm
watching pro football is like watching a bunch of mules fight over a turnip
Michael Gearon, Jr.
May 26th, 2011
4:28 pm
Just hand over your ticket money and shut up. Rich people at work here.
W
May 26th, 2011
4:33 pm
5150 UOAD, lets go over a few whacky things you are saying:
“Any College Student Athlete that signs a NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB contract has to 1) Pay the college he attended, the cost of a 4 yr scholarship with his first pay check. It doesn’t matter if he was on a partial, full, academic, or HOPE(in Georgia). That should lower the cost of future student Athletes imposed on Alumni.”
-I think we can agree that the participation of the college athlete, particularly in football, produces millions of dollars in revenue for the universities. Now, the supposed deal is that they get free tuition, room etc. and a possible, though very small, chance at being noticed enough and successful enough to make the NFL. Many people think the players should be paid. I won’t go that far – I think the value of the education and opportunities might be enough compensation. You sir, on the other hand, go the opposite way, and feel that the players should have to pay back their scholarships? Oh, and if they get the HOPE scholarship by maintaining their academics, they don’t deserve that either in your opinion? What about the average student? Should they have to pay back their scholarships? Do you think that when one graduates from a university’s law school, med schools, businesses, etc., that they should have to pay back the academic scholarships they received when they get their first big firm job? I mean, without the university, they would haven’t have gotten where they are either…
“The second time a player is arrested they are out of the league the day of the Arrest until they are found Guilty or Not Guilty.”
- Look, if they all want to agree to that, that is their call, but it seems to me that your spirit in this suggestion goes against American principles. I don’t know how familiar you are with the United States and our criminal laws, but the Constitution gives every citizen the right to a trial before their peers and demands that they are innocent until proven guilty. So many are so vindictive about things in our culture that we often loose sight of this. I do not condone criminal behavior, but you describe the pro athlete as a pack of felons, while most athletes crimes are alcohol/party related. These are still serious issues, and clearly cause an image problem, but I often find it funny how, at the same time, we celebrate old time baseball greats who would literally drink liquor in the outfield. Speaking of felons…
” 4) Convicted FELONS are no longer Hire-able. The Pro athletes should have the same troubles (regular people with a record have) getting a job.”
-I get your sentiment here. Some of the crimes committed by pro athletes are very serious and deserve public condemnation. Furthermore, they deserve absolutely no better treatment than the average citizen in the same situation. But I thought I’d hi-jack this statement by pointing out that it is the attitude of the “un-hire-able felon” that perpetuates crime in our society. When someone gets out of jail on a felony, they find that there is no way to gain employment that will lift them above the poverty line without committing future felonies… ok, hi-jack over.
“5) No player will have his NAME on the back of a Jersey. It is a team game. If you don’t know the players without a name on the jersey then you are not a REAL FAN anyway.
CRAZY I know.”
- I’m going to pick on you a touch here, in jest of course. I get the feeling from your comments that you tend to lean toward the right side of the isle. Forgive me if I’m mistaken. But here, your anti-individuality sentiment seems to smack a little bit of the socialist ideals that would be inconsistent with that ideology. I know that’s probably not that fair, but I wonder if you ever have cognitive dissonance?
“I am so tired of trying to explain to my Niece and Nephews why the RULES and LAWS matter.”
-What rule did they break? What law doesn’t matter? I do believe that these athletes are being charged with these crimes, at least in cases where there is enough evidence for the prosecution to secure a conviction. I’ll agree that sometimes athletes seem to get better plea deals, and that really does make me furious, but I’ve also seen it where they get worse plea deals so as to be made “an example.” And you seem to be selective on your rules and laws that matter – as above, you don’t seem to care for the Constitutions guarantees in criminal matters, only the crazy made up rules that athletes should have to payback scholarships. That is called a loan, friend.
“Why it is better in life to HAVE Character than to be a Character ie. Ochocinco, Vick, Rothlessburger, Bozworth, and the likes.”
- The stuff some of these guys have been accused of is appalling, no question about it, but are you aware of the roster size of the average NFL team? These guys are a drop in the bucket in reality, but their actions are a focus. And you can say whatever you want about Vick – although I’m sure everything has already been said about him that could be – but he did his time. If you don’t want to support a franchise that hires him, fine, but the man deserves the right to make a living, and if a franchise wants to take a chance on him and stomach public opinion or dangers that he may screw up in the future, that is on them. Lastly, I find Ochocinco extremely obnoxious, much like you, but what felony was he accused of? Oh, he wasn’t, you are just lumping him in here because he is a loud-mouth. One would think that you could relate.
Sara Barnett
May 26th, 2011
4:44 pm
That picture of Arthur Blank is awesome. I love that jacket. Side note: I just found that new CoachWatcher website and it is legit. … http://www.CoachWatcher.com
Autiger83
May 26th, 2011
4:49 pm
The AJC should put Schultz on permanent furlough.
Ackshun
May 26th, 2011
4:49 pm
the ones who stand to lose the most money in the shortest period of time will crack. and boys and girls thats the owners. You guys lay off sending in those season ticket renewals and buying regular season tickets, merchandise etc. TV revenues will fall off and just wait and see what happens. In the end the NFL is no different from the WWE. It is entertainment. let demand and dollars dry up and those guys will be back on the field before the end of june. You are the fan, you are in control.
Bucs shuttering offices as NFL lockouts takes toll on employees | NFL Hotwire
May 26th, 2011
4:52 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that the Atlanta Falcons have implemented some minor cutbacks for some members of [...]
W
May 26th, 2011
4:53 pm
Oh, 5150 UOAD…
“For the RIGHT and SAFTY to play the game in the US; the Pro Athletes OWE every US Serviceman and woman 1/3 their salary, 1/3 to the owners that make the business possible, and they can live on the last 1/3.”
-Again with your “socialist agenda.” I don’t think there is anyone far-left enough to support your idea of re-distribution of wealth. You, sir, also enjoy the “right and safety” to make a living in this country, so you give 1/3rd of your income to the military, I’m sure. You do do that don’t you?
“How much are the Players paying for their Baby mama Brats?”
-How much is Tom Brady paying for his “Baby mama Brats”? How about Matt Ryan? Tony Gonzalez? Peyton Manning? My understanding is that they are “Players.” We all know who you are “really” talking about here. Furthermore, I see you are against people’s reproductive rights. I suppose after the players are forced to pay back the scholarships that were given to them, as your earlier rule would impose, you would make them sign a China-esque 2 child 1 mother contract. I suppose you would force castration or abortion on these people. Or maybe you could let people make decisions that you feel are poor life choices because they are free to do so.
No mas
May 26th, 2011
5:09 pm
You know, I couldn’t care less if they never played again. These players are pitiful, overpaid thugs (there are some exceptions) who will never be able to make it in the real world. Their union, along with all the other unions in this country should be outlawed……they’re ruining our country….period.
My thoughts exactly. I haven’t gone to a major league game in any sport in more than twenty years, and I don’t miss it at all.
Let 'em
May 26th, 2011
5:15 pm
Let the overpaid azzholes go on strike. Who really cares.
Deep Thought
May 26th, 2011
5:17 pm
“Is there anybody out there in cyberspace with a fricking brain??”
42
Whizbang
May 26th, 2011
5:17 pm
Jeff, you’re right that it’s something to think about (secretaries, office staff being affected), but in the grand scheme . . . do you really think that either the owners or the players right now are thinking, ‘OMG, the equipment manager is about to go into foreclosure!’ Don’t think so.
This is not a strike, but a lockout, yet this analogy works: back in the day, when the auto workers or steel workers would go on strike did they give any thought to the effect on the supply or demand chains? You know, people who mined the ore, sold the cars, etc.
No way.
Collateral damage.
Owners are going to win this. NO way around that. Players will get a little sumpin’, sumpin’, but the owners are going to win.
Maybe if the Players Association agreed that every player with every contract signed would agree to a personal services contract that went beyond his playing career . . . hey, they’re looking for more money, more security. What do the owners get if they agree to that? In a word: less — now and in the future.
It’s capitalism at its peak, with anti-trust exemptions mixed in. Those with the dough or the ways to come up with it call the shots. It is what it is.
Gerry S.
May 26th, 2011
5:22 pm
Ah yes, the unions are the root of the problem — in fact, the root of all our problems. Why can’t we just go back to seven year olds working in factories, six & seven day workweeks, and none of those burdensome safety regulations.
I, for one, would always trust wealthy business owners to do the right thing.
Read some history!
W
May 26th, 2011
5:25 pm
“You know, I couldn’t care less if they never played again. These players are pitiful, overpaid thugs (there are some exceptions) who will never be able to make it in the real world. Their union, along with all the other unions in this country should be outlawed……they’re ruining our country….period.
My thoughts exactly. I haven’t gone to a major league game in any sport in more than twenty years, and I don’t miss it at all.”
-So, are you saying most players are criminals when you call them “thugs?” How many “thugs” are on the Falcons roster? And nobody is forcing anyone to go to these games. Congratulations for not going to games. Clearly your 20 year long protest was effective, as the players and owners have clearly been making less and less over that time period. And I’m not going to really get into the union thing, except to say that every working American enjoys and uses benefits gained by the union movement in the early 1900’s, regardless of your personal opinions.
W
May 26th, 2011
5:33 pm
“This is not a strike, but a lockout, yet this analogy works: back in the day, when the auto workers or steel workers would go on strike did they give any thought to the effect on the supply or demand chains? You know, people who mined the ore, sold the cars, etc.”
- You’re right. Reminds me how thoughtless the slaves were when not considering the implications their freedom would have on the poor farmers and textile workers.
joeybiten/barryo
May 26th, 2011
5:41 pm
an excellent example of why unions are needed everywhere.
W
May 26th, 2011
6:00 pm
Just curious, do you guys think Derek Lowe is a “thug?” Personally, I don’t…
TheBigCat
May 26th, 2011
6:14 pm
Nothing starnge about this at all. Arthur Blank is simply making budget cuts to pay for his Botox, hair dye, make up, etc. You do know we are in the running for Hard Knocks right? Arthur is just getting prepared.
I'm Shocked
May 26th, 2011
6:28 pm
Is there any way the Falcons would follow the Thrashers up north–Now that would be something to write about !!! Go Jackets.
T. Banks
May 26th, 2011
6:43 pm
PR move by the Owners. The owners pay these salaries based off of money received in the previous year. There are no need for the furloughs, this is ALL about the PR.
FYI…The players aren’t on strike, they asked to go to work. THE GATES WERE LOCKED!!!!! The are locked out and the owners opted out of the CBA not the players…
You guys all know how supply and demand work, if you guys feel like the players aren’t worth the money tell the Owners to go with replacement players, and see if you watch the game. Has anyone tuned into the UFL lately?
reckingball
May 26th, 2011
6:49 pm
100% correct T. Banks, it’s a LOCKOUT, not a Strike.
It is just a clear cut case of the greed of the owners.
I wonder how popular Blank is going to be with the players on the sidelines now(if they the NFL ever plays again).
Alabama Communist
May 26th, 2011
6:55 pm
More Breaking News On Office Staff Cutback!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was rumor that the Falcons Mascot was sold for Bird Meat to a Chinese Company and the Falcons Cheerleaders were lease to a rich Arabic Prince who owns a Chain of Hooters in Brahmi..
reckingball
May 26th, 2011
6:57 pm
No one buys a ticket, or watches the games on TV to see the owners sitting on their butts in the stands.
The NFL is built on the talent of the players, if it wasn’t the owners would have replacements on the team rosters right now.
But this isn’t like a factory
TheBigCat
May 26th, 2011
7:00 pm
Unions are for the weak and lazy who can’t compete in the free market. They need the help of the union to carry them. To prop up salaries and to run cover for the lazy and the worthless. Just look at public school teachers, the post office etc.
Without a union players would play for $250,000-$500,000 a year and never complain. What else are they gonna do for a living?
The owners make all the money? You are damn right. They assume all the risks. 4 basic principals of economics: Land, labor, capital and entrepenership. They have 3 of the 4. What risks do the players take? Injury? Don’t play football for a living if that risk is too big.
They are just like elephants in the circus. When you go all you see are elephants. You don’t care if one is replaced from last year. Restart the league from top to bottom, and people will watch. Watch else you gonna do in the fall?
Joe Ticket
May 26th, 2011
7:22 pm
I tried to get a refund on my season tickets and the ticket office wouldn’t give me a refund. I guess it make sense now.
Dropping knowledge
May 26th, 2011
7:50 pm
Hey Marcel,
By the way, employees are allowed to look at the books of a privately held company if they have a contract that includes revenue sharing like the NFL does. Upon demand a company must show proof of exercising equitable and and ethical financial and accounting principles to their partners. In essence, the NFL made the players partners in the business, not just employees. Knowing the health of the business is their right.
Joe Tess Fish House
May 26th, 2011
7:51 pm
Screw the palyers. They need to stop this strike and go back 2 wrok.
UGASlobberknocker
May 26th, 2011
7:57 pm
looks like college football might be the only game in town
chuck e
May 26th, 2011
8:04 pm
Great…..ya gotta Billionaire cutting the salaries of everyday working people…..kinda speaks to the REAL character of Arthur.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 26th, 2011
8:29 pm
lets try this again. Players ARE NOT ON STRIKE THEY ARE LOCKED OUT BY THE OWNERS.
that said I never paid to watch a receptionist line up in the slot.
Me thinks that King Arthur falls on the side of league owners that want an MLB setup where as he can spend to win.
corporate domination
May 26th, 2011
8:41 pm
@ chuck e
Silly, silly man. The everyday working people must accept cuts so that corporate domination prevails. When there are no more everyday working people in the US, the NFL will expand to Asia, The corporation is a private individual, just like you. Wake up!
Skram30082
May 26th, 2011
9:41 pm
This is crazy. There WAY TOO MANY stupid people on this blog.
@Sherry: Players are way over-paid? Tell me this…exactly who agrees to pay the salaries of the players? Free agency definitely plays a part, but in the end, the owner that signs a free agent to a ridiculous contract has determined that whatever he agrees to pay, said free agent is worth it. If owners were so worried about player salaries, they wouldn’t sign them. But then again, if no free agents were offered contracts, that would be collusion. Baseball tried that back in the 80s, and it was found to be illegal. Oh yeah, and why don’t you look up Curt Flood and read his story? You (and most people on this blog) have probably never heard of him.
For everyone on this blog, remember this about the owners…that revenue sharing that they LOVE is nothing but REDISTRIBUTION OF INCOME. Funny thing is, most owners are Republicans. Just look up Art Modell (owner of the Ravens) and read what he said about NFL owners being Republicans who like socialism.
Bottom line…in this LOCKOUT, the OWNERS are asking for more, not the players. This is the fault of the OWNERS.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
9:53 pm
Drexel Gal
Pro Players were DRAFTED because they wanted the opportunity to play a game for MONEY. That is SELECTIVELY DRAFTED by VOLUNTARILY choosing the job opportunity. SEALS, GREEN BERETS, MARINE FORCE RECON, and RANGERS do the same thing. They Chose the JOB of SOLDIER and then try to subject their bodies to the most HELLISH punishment for a Low paying High Risk job. Pro Athletes are a JOKE trying to get the money they get and then abuse the PRIVILEGE to have that job. Many Soldiers chose the armed services to get money & training for college. STFU because you are talking out of you Who-Ha. .
If you were in a Bar Fight would you want an NFL player involved or a Marine? The Marine might defend you, but a NFL player is probably the reason the fight was started for attacking you.
I thought it was “A” before a consonant and “AN” before a Vowel. “A” NFL player or “AN” NFL player?
Skram30082
May 26th, 2011
10:05 pm
@5150 UOAD:
“I thought it was “A” before a consonant and “AN” before a Vowel. “A” NFL player or “AN” NFL player?”
Check your own words…you don’t know, either, do you?
If you were in a Bar Fight would you want *an* NFL player involved or a Marine? The Marine might defend you, but *a* NFL player is probably the reason the fight was started for attacking you.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
10:18 pm
W
Law School and Med School are GRADUATE PROGRAMS. Students have to do 4yrs then take a TEST to get in Law or Med School. Bad choice of an example.
Innocent until proven Guilty? Are you really going to say that is TRUE in this day and Time? OJ is INNOCENT in court, but not in real life. Bill Clinton never had SEX with that girl either I guess. He didn’t do drugs because he didn’t INHALE. GW Bush is not a Drunk because he has been sober for years now. Well, not according to AA rules. TRY again.
LEFT? No
Right but we are talking about a group that wants to be a UNION so I say SCREW them.
Drafted players that have never played in the NFL start at the Bottom of the PAY SCALE just like the NEW Lineman at Ga Power or lineman at Lockheed. If you want to pay them MILLIONS for nothing Proven then they pay the COLLEGE that allowed them to be promoted back the value of the Scholarship. Do like REAL UNIONS do and make a PAY SCALE for time on the job & test or certifications gained. If you want a UNION then you sign on to the pay scale the Owners set just like the real world. Don’t call it a UNION and then have people doing the same work making totally different salaries.
Pro Sports is one of the FEW businesses that by ELIMINATING the competition you eliminate your industry. To make a UNION work then the wage has to be even and equally distributed. It is not like Ford putting Chevy and Toyota out of business. Ford can still sell cars, but if New York puts KC, Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta out of business then New York loses their value too.
dre
May 26th, 2011
10:38 pm
Shocking…another billionaire unable to support those trying to make ends meet. Hang in there Arthur.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
10:49 pm
dre
I heard all the PRO Players just paid all the back child support to their baby mamas. Now I guess the Millionaires are now supporting those trying to make ends meet too right?
Old Violin
May 26th, 2011
10:59 pm
All points are well taken, but again I ask the question ! Who’s fault is all this ? It’s ours ! It’s our money they are wasting ! It’s our money that’s being fed to these overpaid (few exceptions) fat cats who think the world owes them a living ! Boycott the games ! Demand ticket prices be lowered ! And remember ! It’s our darn money, not theirs ! You don’t get my money til you produce a product, and I AM NOT going to pay twice what a darn ticket should cost ! Football is a sport and although business is involved, it’s still a sport ! I can live without it and so can you !
Old Violin
May 26th, 2011
11:05 pm
P.S……..If you watch the Braves home games, you’ll notice this young lady sitting in the seats behind home plate, wearing what appears to be Staff attire. I have not seen her lift a hand to help the fans (i’m sure she must when i’m not looking) and I keep wondering just what is her job, and what does it pay ? She’s well fed, so I know she makes at least Hot Dog money ! Just asking !
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
11:10 pm
I have 2 Jobs:
1) You will get paid for 16 days @ 5 hours/day that people pay to see your production. I will pay you $800K for the 16 weeks = $50,000/day for 80hrs of consumer paid for PRODUCT or $10,000/hr for consumer viewed product. Would you take that JOB?
OR
2) Do you want to work 50 weeks for $80k/yr having to work 5 or 6 days/week for 50 weeks/yr?
NFL Players need to use those DEGREES (that they got for free) to make some money close to what they are crying about.
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
11:13 pm
Old Violin
She is on the soon to be Mike Bobo Salary plan. All the left over Little League Concession Stand food he can take home to feed his kids after UGA fires Richt and the whole lot of the staff.
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
11:22 pm
5150 Ther ya go again – do you everrrrr make any since??????????????????????????
True Falcon Fan
May 26th, 2011
11:23 pm
Say Good night —- Good night —– have fun ta ta
5150 UOAD
May 26th, 2011
11:39 pm
True Falcon Fan
Do you really think that MOST NFL players are better at their jobs than you are at yours? Do you REALLY think they are worth what they get paid? Why don’t you eat and get FAT. I MEAN 300lb fat and get on a Practice team. You can get your AZZ beat to death for 16 weeks and still make $45k-150k for about 26 weeks/yr. You can then go to work at another job or enjoy more pay for a short period of time for just being FAT and acting like you can run 12 yrds.
Falcons cut pay of some office staff | E. OVERSTREET SPORTS MANAGEMENT
May 27th, 2011
12:50 am
[...] Schultz of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Falcons are implementing minor payroll reductions to members of the office staff. (I’m guessing those members of the office staff don’t consider their payroll reductions to be [...]
5150 UOAD
May 27th, 2011
1:08 am
J. Russell, T Mandrich, R Bush, M Stafford, R Leaf, and many many many more that got PAID. I mean PAID to be the PUBLIX District Manager, but were really the smartest kid on the short bus being a Bagger.
FalcFans.com » Falcons Weekly Round-Up 5/27
May 27th, 2011
8:57 am
[...] The Falcons have begun to cut the pay of lower-level office employees as a measure to cut expenditures during the current lockout. Several other NFL teams have begun to furlough non-football staff. (Source: Jeff Schulz, AJC) [...]
Pat
May 27th, 2011
2:47 pm
What a disgrace…cuts should be structured from the top down and not the other way around
Mr. Blank, shame on you for failing to run the Falcons with the class that other organizations have showed.
Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Dirty Bird Bikini Shoot In Bermuda : Busted Coverage
May 27th, 2011
3:40 pm
[...] there are reports of the Atlanta Falcons cutting the pay of front office staffers back home in Georgia, the Falcons cheerleader squad is in Bermuda busily compiling a photo dossier [...]
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 27th, 2011
10:08 pm
So Falcons fans, who do you think will be ranked higher in the 100 best active NFL players…………………
CHOKE
or
Vick
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 27th, 2011
10:16 pm
So it looks like CHOKE will be 27 before he CHOKES in another game
By the way, this fool is 26 and before you know it, he will be in his 30s and you clowns will still be saying…………
He’ll be Peyton-Like……….just give him time
loyal Falcon
May 30th, 2011
7:04 pm
I’m really starting to hate the NFL because of this lockout!
Montrell D
May 31st, 2011
11:07 am
A lot of these employees are minorities—I’m tired of rich billionaires like blank cutting the salaries of employees that need the money. He should pay them even if there is a lockout.
WTF?
May 31st, 2011
6:52 pm
football fans if you are smart you will lock out the NFL for a season so the greedy owners and greedy players will know what it’s like to not have any income to sue each other over who gets what because there will be nothing! But trying to get Americans to rise up and unite is like trying to fly a plane with no wings… it aint gonna happen.
Chumps Pay
June 1st, 2011
6:16 am
the greedy owners will end up paying the millionaires what they want and then just raise prices on everything that all the chumps will gladly pay to see their heroes on the field! Pay up!
joe dirt
June 2nd, 2011
9:37 am
Forget about roid raging player millionaris arguing with country club owners, the NFL is a bunch of spoiled brat millionaires. I can’t wait to here more about the recent MLS expansion rumor. Sign me up for season tickets now. MLS, MLS, MLS!!!!!!