NFL lockout to be lifted after judge grants players injunction

[News_Editor]

NFL lockout to be lifted after judge grants players injunction

2011-04-26 06:56:59 GMT+7 (ICT)

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (BNO NEWS) -- The National Football League (NFL) lockout on Monday was lifted after a U.S. District judge granted the NFL players' request for an injunction.

Judge Susan Nelson of the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis will be forcing NFL teams to continue their operations after after the ruling was announced, which gave players an edge over team owners regarding the a new collective bargaining agreement.

The 89-page ruling will force NFL team owners to lift the lockout immediately, as they were not granted a stay.

In a statement, however, the NFL said it would promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

"We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree," the league stated. "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."

On March 11, team owners began an NFL lock out after player negotiations broke down after two weeks of discussing how to distribute the $9 billion league revenue. Players then dissolved their union

On Thursday, the 2011 NFL Draft will begin with Round 1 selections. Rounds 2 to 7 will then be carried out on Friday and Saturday.

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