So I think that Bill Simmons has succinctly summed up and addressed the perspective of the owner in this column (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons%2F110304). The greedy and indifferent owner. That issue aside I agree with the plight of the player.
The 18 game schedule is a horrendous idea. Rather than find a way to profit off the monopoly on Sundays they already own they want to expand what has already dominated our conscious. I for one think injuries are the least of the problems an 18 game season would face. Considering the reduced attendance in some markets its almost obvious that the longer season would force some teams out of the league or worse increase the prevalence of TV Blackouts.
As it stands now the blackout represents the greediest act of any owner or team. As opposed to allowing fans who either cant afford or choose not to brave the traffic and irritations of attending a game to watch the games from the privacy of their own home they choose to attempt a mandate on attendance. Many of these fans who prefer the comforts of their home support the advertisers in the form of their flat screen TVs, cars, beverages, and more importantly in merchandise. I've never met a fan of a team who failed to purchase at least one article of clothing with the team's insignia. These purchases support the teams, the owners, and seems to be unaccounted for when a game is blacked out to the home market.
To address the injury issue its not a matter of being worn down necessarily that worries me its just the pure risk of exposure. When defensive players like Clay Mathews and James Harrison are your opponents its inevitable that people will get injured. By expanding the season you add to more 60 minute sessions of punishment to what already is a 17 week regular season.
With these things in mind I doubt the players can sustain and the fans can pay attention for another two weeks. I'll be willing to watch but it wont mean that my attendance increases any more.
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