Lockout is Miller's first NFL tackle
With the second pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller. Credit: AP (Jan. 25, 2011)
Texas A & M linebacker Von Miller was on his way from LaGuardia Airport to his Manhattan hotel when he got the news. Late Monday afternoon, Miller was told by his agent, Andrew Kessler, that Federal District Court Judge Susan Nelson had issued a ruling that lifted the NFL lockout.
The news was particularly gratifying for Miller, even though he hasn't played a down in the NFL and is still waiting to see where he'll be drafted tomorrow night. It is Miller who volunteered to be the only draft-eligible player as one of 10 named plaintiffs in an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. Nelson's decision to lift the lockout was in answer to the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction to force the league to resume operations while antitrust litigation continued.
"It was amazing to me," Miller said Tuesday in an interview with Newsday. He is in New York for this week's draft, as well as his participation in an ongoing study by Gatorade that measures performance levels of several draft-eligible players. "It's a sign of good things to come, and a good sign for the fans that we'll see football continue to be played -- just like the players want."
Nelson's ruling may signal the eventual resumption of NFL operations, although the league is appealing the decision and seeking a stay; if that request is granted, the lockout would continue. But Miller, who was in Nelson's St. Paul, Minn., courtroom to hear the arguments in the case, remains optimistic we're seeing a turning point in the legal maneuverings. He's also gratified that his difficult decision to participate in the lawsuit is now seeing results.
Remember, this was no small task joining the antitrust suit, especially for someone who has yet to officially join the NFL. In fact, Miller initially wavered before agreeing to be a plaintiff. With some of the biggest names in pro football -- including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Osi Umenyiora -- taking on the NFL's $9 billion-a-year industry, Miller worried that he might alienate the league even before he plays his first professional game.
"There was a huge amount of hesitation," Miller said. "It probably took me three weeks to make my decision. What it came down to is that it was a decision that was bigger than myself. I didn't do it because of me. I did it because of the guys in the lawsuit. Here's this great group of amazing guys with amazing character, and they're asking me, of all the people they could have asked? I felt obligated to help them out."
Monday's court ruling merely underscored his commitment to do what he considers is right by his NFL brethren. And as Miller is about to find out, his decision to become a named plaintiff won't hurt him on draft day, where he might be the second player drafted overall, with perhaps even a chance of going first.
And in case you're wondering whether he'll make some sort of statement at the draft when he's introduced by commissioner Roger Goodell, he won't. His participation in the lawsuit is enough. "When I get drafted, the first thing I'll do is cry and get all snot-nosed," he said. And yes, he'll give Goodell a hug.
"I have no problem with commissioner Goodell. In my opinion, he's a great guy," Miller said. "He's done great work for the league. This lockout, you can't judge someone over what's coming down. Everybody's in tough situations right now, and I have nothing but positive things to say about him. He handles thousands of players, 32 owners, he's managing things well. I'm happy to be in the league. I don't have a problem with anybody."
There's no telling where Miller will be drafted, but the native of DeSoto, Texas, wants to stay close to home.
"I hope I go to the Cowboys," he said.
"If Jerry Jones drafts me, I'll be the best Cowboy he's ever had. I promise him that."
