In just the last four months, two of the United States' big four sports have had major lockouts. Each negotiated, often fiercely, but in the end of the day both were solved.
The NFL lockout ended on July 24. Unlike the NBA, the NFL found a way to play all 16 games and all but one preseason game. Because of diligence, hard work, some dedicated owners and players, and (possibly) the lack of competition from leagues around the world, all the players stayed in America and have been able to play a full season of football.
However, the NBA lockout ended today. Why? Because of stubborn players and owners and a failed commissioner, David Stern. Stern, who for months has been attempting to make both sides stay civilized and come to an agreement, humiliated the NBA's image and the lockout negotiating process. If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ran the NBA, this lockout would have been over two months ago. All teams would have played 82 regular season games as usual, fans would not have felt betrayed nearly as much, and all NBA players would be in America (as opposed to Europe, Israel, and other locations around the world where they now are because of the lengthy lockout). But no. David Stern had to fail as always.
Am I happy that the NBA lockout is over? I guess... Am I happy that each team is only playing 66 games and many players are not going to be in America for the season because of David "Idiot" Stern? No. How could I be?
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