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Judge orders end to NFL lockout, league to appeal

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-04-26 15:43

MINNEAPOLIS - Seven weeks into the NFL lockout, players had an early triumph over the owners in court on Monday.

US District Judge Susan Richard Nelson ordered an immediate end to the lockout, siding with the players in their fight with the owners over how to divide the $9 billion business.

The NFL responded by filing a notice of appeal questioning whether the district court exceeded its jurisdiction, seeking relief from the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.

Nelson granted a request for a preliminary injunction to lift the lockout, saying she was swayed by the players' argument that the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987 is hurting their careers.

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The plaintiffs "have made a strong showing that allowing the League to continue their 'lockout' is presently inflicting, and will continue to inflict, irreparable harm upon them, particularly when weighed against the lack of any real injury that would be imposed on the NFL by issuing the preliminary injunction," Nelson wrote.

If the injunction is upheld, the NFL must resume business, although under what guidelines is uncertain.

It could invoke the 2010 rules for free agency, meaning players would need six seasons of service before becoming unrestricted free agents when their contracts expire; previously, it was four years. The requirement for unrestricted free agents would be four years rather than the three years before 2010. There also was no salary cap in 2010, meaning teams could spend as much - or as little - as they wanted.

Also, the NFL would need to determine what or if offseason workouts can be held while the appeal is being heard.

Jim Quinn, an attorney for the players said time is of the essence. "They better act quickly, because as of right now there's no stay and, presumably, players could sign with teams," he said. "There are no guidelines as of right now, so they have to put something in place quickly."

Owners imposed the lockout after talks broke down March 11 and the players disbanded their union. A group of players filed the injunction request along with a class-action antitrust lawsuit against the league.

Nelson's ruling simply lifts the lockout and does not address any of the antitrust issues.

"We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes," the league said. "We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal."

The NFL is going forward with the draft, which begins Thursday.

Dolphins alternate player representative John Denney said he didn't think the ruling was the end of the dispute.

"Right now we got what we wanted, but it may be temporary," he said. "We'll have to let the judicial process play out."