18 Games 'Off the Table'

This whole collective bargaining mess is something I'm trying very hard not to delve too deep into, while at the same time not totally ignore it.

Basically, it's a bunch of millionaires whining to billionaires that they deserve more money. Who are we supposed to feel sorry for here?

I just want to watch some football. For that to happen, though, these two groups need to come to an agreement. I guess it's a good sign that they at least both keep agreeing to "extend" the deadline for when the current collective bargaining agreement ends so that they can continue to argue, er, I mean talk.

Again, without delving too deep into this mess, I do want to highlight something I read recently and that has to do with the much-rumored proposal of an 18-game NFL season, instead of the current 16-game season.

For the first time publicly, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said an 18-game season is off the negotiating table in collective bargaining talks with the owners. In an interview, Smith was categorical that the players won't expand the regular season from 16 to 18 games.

Here's what I find interesting ... he is quoted as saying, in an interview with SI.com, that the league has never presented a proposal for an 18 game schedule.

So, what gives? Why go public and be so adamant about something that, apparently, is irrelevant to the negotiations? What are you trying to prove, DeMaurice Smith?

Look, I don't care one way or the other if the season is expanded by two games or not. What I do think, however, is if the players want more money, shouldn't they have to earn it, by say, perhaps, playing two more games every year?

Whatever. That's my two cents.

Go Browns!