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The award-winning news site of Cosumnes River College

The Connection

The award-winning news site of Cosumnes River College

The Connection

Split Decision: Players are the main victims in NBA lockout

Split+Decision%3A+Players+are+the+main+victims+in+NBA+lockout

Let’s get one thing clear, no one wins in a game of millionaires and billionaires. The NBA lockout has affected us all, and it’s looking more bleak for the players, the fans and the NBA.

Though many believe that the players are being selfish, it is really the NBA owners that are in the wrong in this lockout. The disagreement as it stands is 1 to 2 percent in basketball-related income.

The previous collective bargaining agreement gave players 57 percent of the basketball-related income.

During mediation the greatest offer the owners could muster was 51 percent of the basketball-related income.

That is the owner’s basically saying “you do all the work and make all the money, but we’ll only take half of what you earned.”

That is no different than running a sweat shop where the laborers work for a minimal amount of money, but do all the work.

These players make all the revenue. Players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James make the NBA owners millions of dollars every year just because of jersey sales.

Their names alone attract enough fans to go to games that otherwise would not sell out.

The Sacramento Kings were 29th in attendance last year, according to ESPN.

However, when Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were in town, you can bet attendance soared, just for a chance to see Bryant. This is just one of many examples of the players carrying the owners.

You might also believe that a 6 percent difference for the players is not that big of deal.

However, in a billion dollar industry each percentage point is worth up to $40 million, according to USA today.

Even a 1 to 2 percent drop in the basketball-related income for the players could result in them losing anywhere from $500 million to $1 billion over a 10-year agreement.

Recently, the NBA threatened the players union by giving them a deadline for the 51 percent offer, by saying they will drop their offer to 47 percent if the players do not accept it.

The owners’ fear mongering is unacceptable and is no different than a bully on a playground. The owners’ pockets are much deeper than the players, they do not need the NBA, the players do.

The players have conceded on many other issues like the salary cap and the luxury cap that would already limit players’ salaries.

The least the owners can do is give the players what they deserve.

The owners lose revenue every day the league is in a lockout. However, with a billionaire’s view of things, they do not seem to care.

It seems as if killing off the players is more important than agreeing on a new CBA.

The owners need to get off their pedestal and start negotiating. Get ready fans, we might all be in for a long winter if the owners get their way.

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About the Contributor
Zach Hannigan, Former Staff
In his six semesters on The Connection staff, Zach served many roles including twice as Editor in Chief and Sports Editor and ending as the Online and Opinion Editor for his final semester. Completing his AA degree in journalism at Cosumnes River College in spring 2o14, he shipped off for boot camp shortly after to begin a stint in the United States Marine Corps. He is an avid hater of the Seahawks, but some of his favorite things include highlight reel dunks, well-executed San Jose Sharks power plays and Hunter Pence home runs. Semesters on Staff: Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014

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Split Decision: Players are the main victims in NBA lockout