In the last month or so, various media outlets have used words like “armageddon,” “do-or-die,” “apocalypse” and “D-day” to describe the possible expiration of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
The meaning of these words, of course, shouldn’t be taken literally, but given the natural disasters that occurred last week in Japan – causing the deaths of thousands – the choice of these words and phrases was wrong.
As a journalist, I’ve been taught that the words we use in our stories and headlines mean everything. Words can conjure up images, provide meaning for readers and can even evoke emotions.
The connotation of these words suggests the death of the NFL and the end of professional football as we know it. The thing is, though, that’s not the case. While collective bargaining discussions may be at an impasse right now, the NFL is a $9 billion industry. Realistically, is it really plausible to think that NFL owners and players are going to squander away the opportunity to make that type of money?
I don’t think so.
The people of Japan don’t have the luxury of discussing how to split billions of dollars. The most powerful earthquake ever recorded in recent history followed by a devastating tsunami left thousands of people dead—a total that continues to rise each day. They are struggling to survive there. They are waging a real war against the devastation from natural disasters and a potential nuclear meltdown, yet a mere discussion over a temporary lockout is considered the end of the world.
Two NFL analysts voiced their opinions via Twitter last week; both of their tweets can best describe what’s transpiring right now.
“A labor dispute is not Armageddon. It is not war. It is 2 groups who have let passion overcome reason,” Dave Goldberg said.
Andrew Brandt said, “The dichotomy of Japanese people fighting for their lives while the NFL owners and players fight for their share of $9 billion is striking.”
Don’t get me wrong, a lockout will affect players’ livelihoods. Some coaches will get laid off and some low-profile players earning much less than the Peyton Mannings and Tom Bradys of the NFL will struggle financially. However, lockouts aren’t anything new. They’ve happened before and they’ve been solved before. It just doesn’t compare to people struggling to stay alive following a catastrophic disaster.
Whether it is six days, six weeks or even six months from now, there will be a new collective bargaining agreement between the players and the owners. Football will move on and so will the lives of the team members and fans.
Unfortunately for those thousands in Japan who have lost their lives and those who are literally fighting for the slightest inch of survival, it won’t.
Craig Malveaux is a mass communication junior and staff writer for The Maroon. He can be reached at
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