As Rosenthal pointed out earlier today, every team has employed a different approach when it comes to commenting on the lockout. Some have said nothing at all. Others have issued statements through their owners. Others have sent letters to the paying customers.
The Chiefs have issued a general statement, not attributed to any specific person or office within the organization.
“The Kansas City Chiefs still believe the fastest way to a fair agreement is through the mediation process,” the statement reads. “While we are disappointed that the union walked away from the clubs’ offer to split the difference and meet them in the middle, we remain confident that we can and will reach a deal that is good for the game.”
We’ve heard the word “fair” plenty of times lately. But “fair” is in the eye of the beholder. A “fair” deal to the owners may not be a “fair” deal to the players, since it very well may be more “fair” to the owners than to the players.
“After a season that began with Monday Night Magic at the grand opening of the New Arrowhead, and culminated in a division championship, we are more focused than ever on improving every area of our team,” the statement continues. “We know there will be football in the future -- and we have already started to plan for the 2011 season. Our football staff is continuing its preparation for the NFL Draft and our business operations staff is using fan feedback to make the Arrowhead experience the best in the NFL.
“We have great respect for our fans and our season ticket holders, and are committed to communicating openly and directly with them as we work to reach a long-term agreement with the players that is fair to everyone who loves this game.”
We could have done without that last part. The league and the union don’t care about being “fair” to anyone but themselves. They don’t care about the fans. They say that they do, but when it comes to doing this deal they really don’t. If they did, their desire to avoid this mess would have pushed them toward getting a deal done.