Today Judge Susan Nelson ruled for the players in their ongoing litigation with the league. Joel Thorman of SB Nation discusses the implications.
Unfortunately, this doesn't mean this mess is over. The owners will appeal and seek a stay. NFL Network's Albert Breer reports Judge Nelson declined to grant a stay for the owners so the league will now seek that from the 8th Circuit Appellate Court.
In English, the league wants to keep the lockout in place while they go through the appeals process. The NFLPA wants the NFL to open for business throughout the appeals process.
If the NFL does get their stay, then the lockout will remain in place while the appeals process is going on. That process could take several weeks to several months so this is an important part of the immediate future of football.
If the NFL does not get their stay, then the league will open and things like free agency will begin. The NFL will have to decide what set of rules will be in place but many people expect them to simply implement the 2010 set of rules.
It might not be as attractive as the sides coming to a deal, but ending the lockout is ending the lockout. I am pulling for the players.