Confusion around NFL as players show up
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs, left, greets punter Reggie Hodges after arriving at the NFL football team's headquarters in Berea, Ohio. (April 26, 2011) Credit: AP
On the day after Judge Susan Nelson granted an injunction request to lift the NFL's lockout, confusion and mixed messages were commonplace around the league Tuesday as players and teams tried to figure out exactly what to do in the short term.
A handful of Jets players were allowed into the team's facility but were prevented from working out. Three Giants were permitted inside the team's building and given the option of training.
Redskins general manager Bruce Allen told two players they could be in the building but could not work out. Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin couldn't get past the security gate and was told that team officials would contact him about how to proceed. Browns receiver Josh Cribbs arrived in workout gear but couldn't use team facilities.
The league issued a statement early Tuesday to clubs saying players should be "treated with courtesy and respect if they show up." But the league added it needs "a few days to sort this out" before football-related activities can take place.
NFL attorney Jeff Pash said late Tuesday afternoon that the league's request for an appeal of the injunction was placed on the docket of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis. The NFL believes it is on sound legal footing in its attempt to have the injunction stayed. In Minneapolis, Nelson will begin reviewing the request to let the lockout continue.
The NFL also was ordered to respond by 6 p.m. Wednesday to the players' request to force it to impose work rules to begin the league year. She also has asked that attorneys for the players who sought the injunction to submit a response to the league's request for a stay.
"We remain confident in our legal position," Pash said. "We will certainly suggest that the review be expedited so that we can get the guidance from the appeals court at the earliest possible time. We also filed a motion last night with Judge Nelson asking that she stay the injunction that she entered pending review by the appeals court."
The league is seeking clarification from Nelson about how to proceed. Club officials are uncertain whether they're supposed to begin the league year, which would mean opening the period for free-agency signings and trades.
NFLPA attorney Mark Levin told unsigned players they should solicit free-agency offers. But because the league hasn't issued rules governing free agency, it is not considered feasible to sign players.
The NFL also is concerned that if Nelson orders the league year to begin, there could be a chaotic period if an appeal of the injunction is successful. If the owners' appeal is granted, the lockout would be reinstituted.
"We're trying to avoid a situation where you're trying to unscramble an egg," Pash said.
Attorney Jim Quinn argues, however, that Nelson's decision to issue the injunction is tantamount to ordering the league to begin the new year and allow free agency to begin.
"The league should be putting the league year in place, allowing players to not only show up at different training facilities, but actually work out and train, get ready for the season to start," Quinn told ESPN Tuesday.
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