Can’t the players and owners just all get along?

One day, we get news saying that the lockout is over.  The next day, it’s reversed.  Throughout it all, players don’t know what they’re supposed to be doing.  Organizations don’t have rules to follow, and as far as rosters go, they’re facing times of uncertainty.

What about us?

Well, at least we get the NFL Draft, right?  The League’s alteration of the Draft format helps extend the pigskin excitement somewhat – especially when you consider the current state of confusion, and the real possibility that the draftees may be watching the World Series instead of making an impact to a franchise that needs their services.   

But indeed, the fans will also take on quite a burden if the NFL doesn’t play ball this fall.  Here’s some of the top reasons why we would miss the NFL: 

1.  Now we would all be subject to the never-ending use of social networking by Chad Ochocinco.  For anyone trying to escape his exposure, Ocho is unfortunately available through just about every medium possible.  And without him being required to practice or play football, that’ll leave him with more time to share all that he desires to with the public. Good luck in your efforts to be Ocho-free…

Watch out for Ochocinco. He's about to do something to get your attention...again.

2.  Being a huge basketball fan, football balances my life. Being the individualist that I am, it took me a little longer to appreciate football than it did basketball. Growing up in the era of perhaps the greatest hoops player ever (and I shouldn’t have to name who that is), people in my generation naturally became enamored with one person’s ability to achieve superhero status. That’s a bit more common to see on the hardwood, where supreme athleticism and talent can totally override the lesser abilities of the opposition. But on the gridiron, a complete coordination of team execution is required to achieve success. Don’t believe me? Just ask Barry Sanders.

3.  Since you have become an adult, have you ever purposely experienced Thanksgiving without football?  Me neither.  The turkey and dressing goes down much easier with your eyes closed and the television tuned in to Fox.

4.  Sure, ESPN tries to place Chris Berman on some baseball coverage.  But let’s face it: Berman might be taking sabbatical if the NFL is out of service.  Sundays in the fall without hearing the chant of “Prime-Time” or the infamous “Whoooop” would seem just plain weird.

5.  Am I the only one who is fascinated by the FOX Sports animated transformer doing football-related stuff right before coverage resumes?

6.  Of the major professional sports, the NFL is the only one in which every game matters.  The NBA, the NHL, and major league baseball could never generate the type of excitement that the NFL does for its regular season contests.  There are no series – one game takes it all.  Be prepared to win or be prepared to go home.  No second, third or fourth chances.

7.  We need to give Michael Vick some attention.  I have the feeling that NFL fans encourage Vick.  Many still remain hostile toward the decisions that he made and don’t want to see him succeed.  I truly think Vick uses that – as well as the people who wish him well - to propel himself forward.  In the case that there’s no professional football in 2011, we can only hope that Michael’s maturation has been true and can keep him on track without the focus that playing the sport he loves naturally brings.

What will football diehards like Jackson and Berman do with their extra time?

8.  With no football to discuss, how will we ever break out of our “the weekend was too short” mindsets in the office on Monday morning?

9.  Does anyone even know what other programming is on the air on Sundays?  In the past, the Real Housewives of Atlanta and Celebrity Apprentice have been scheduled on that night.  Now before you judge – if you haven’t seen Nene Leakes in action, you might want to put that on your bucket list.  But even Nene can’t get top billing over Sunday Night Football.

10.  In most major sports, prior to the start of the season we could probably correctly guess at least three of the final four teams that will be left in their postseason.  The NFL?  Not so much.  Who would have thought that the Saints and Colts wouldn’t be back in their respective conference championship games last year?  And the year prior saw Baltimore, Philadelphia and Arizona made unpredictable runs to the conference championships, as well.

So, with the bleak situation presented by the NFL, I have only one lingering question:

Can other schools follow the PAC-12′s lead and propose holding their games on Sundays?

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author