Originally Published: November 10, 2011, 03:16 AM

NFL Lockout Fallout Minimal in Eyes of Fans

Posted By Diego | NFL News | November 10, 2011, 03:16 AM |

When the NFL owners decided to initiate a lockout starting on April 1, the action at the time had a minimal effect on fans. While they were no doubt aggravated that the owners and players were quibbling over millions of dollars while their fans struggle to make ends meet, it still had little effect, barring a shutdown of the NFL season altogether.

The owners and players eventually did come to an agreement, ratifying a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement and starting the season on time, albeit with a rushed preseason that had each team scurrying to sign free agents and get properly prepared for their season openers. However, the fans were there to support their teams in full, regardless of the sometimes contentious lockout talks that lasted for over four months.

But fans have largely forgiven the players, judging from ticket sales at NFL stadiums across the country. While the Cincinnati Bengals have drawn far fewer fans at Paul Brown Stadium this season, that is largely due to the fans’ frustration with owner Mike Brown and his unwavering stance to trade disgruntled quarterback Carson Palmer, leaving the team devoid of a player who can capably lead the offense.
Nonetheless, fans have welcomed the players back, and they are showing up at the turnstiles to prove it.

Embed When the NFL owners decided to initiate a lockout starting on April 1, the action at the time had a minimal effect on fans. While they were no doubt aggravated that the owners and players were quibbling over millions of dollars while their fans struggle to make ends meet, it still had little effect, barring a shutdown of the NFL season altogether.<br><br> The owners and players eventually did come to an agreement, ratifying a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement and starting the season on time, albeit with a rushed preseason that had each team scurrying to sign free agents and get properly prepared for their season openers. However, the fans were there to support their teams in full, regardless of the sometimes contentious lockout talks that lasted for over four months. <br><br> But fans have largely forgiven the players, judging from ticket sales at NFL stadiums across the country. While the Cincinnati Bengals have drawn far fewer fans at Paul Brown Stadium this season, that is largely due to the fans’ frustration with owner Mike Brown and his unwavering stance to trade disgruntled quarterback Carson Palmer, leaving the team devoid of a player who can capably lead the offense. <br> Nonetheless, fans have welcomed the players back, and they are showing up at the turnstiles to prove it.<br /><a href='http://www.slicendice.org'>Slice N Dice</a> | <a href='http://www.slicendice.org/NFL/NFL-Lockout-Fallout-Minimal-in-Eyes-of-Fans'>NFL Lockout Fallout Minimal in Eyes of Fans</a>