No one seems to know exactly what will happen here in the next few hours to the next few days. But it seems pretty clear that something is indeed going down.
With NFL losing its initial appeal to Judge Susan Nelson regarding her decision to lift the lockout, the league is now trying to appeal ot the Eighth Circuit Court for a stay, which would prevent the new league year to begin.
To put it nicely, it would prevent what will likely be a chaotic day on Friday if the new league year, and free agency begins, meaning veterans will be allowed to meet with coaches and get their playbooks. Some high-priced veterans could be released and new free agents could get signed.
Oh and let's not forget the draft will take place later that evening.
This thing keeps changing by the minute with new twists. But here is what the NFL sent out earlier today regarding the rules and regulations of players regarding the current setup.
NFL statement on post-injunction operations
The NFL clubs have been notified that we have requested from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals a stay of the preliminary injunction issued late Monday afternoon by the Federal District Court. Pending further guidance from the Eighth Circuit, we believe it is appropriate for clubs to take additional steps in response to the preliminary injunction. The clubs were informed of the steps below that will be effective on Friday at 8 am ET following tonight's first round of the NFL Draft. Clubs are free to contact players immediately to advise them of the hours that the facility will be open for their use, to schedule medical and rehabilitation activity, and to arrange meetings with coaches or related activity, such as film study or classroom work.
count toward the requirements of any off-season workout bonus in the player's contract. This item 5 will apply both prior to and after the commencement of the club's official off-season workout program. * Mandatory and voluntary mini-camps may begin subject to the rules in Article XXXVI of the 2006 CBA. * The league office will promptly make arrangements to resume counseling, rehabilitation and treatment activities in connection with the substances of abuse and steroid programs. We will advise clubs as to when and on what basis testing will commence. * Players may participate in club-sponsored charitable and community relations events. With respect to player transactions (such as signings, trades of player contracts, terminations, tryouts, etc.), we plan to distribute to all clubs, likely tomorrow, a comprehensive set of procedures governing such transactions. This will include the timing for the commencement of the 2011 League Year, free agent signings and other customary player transactions.
