Boycott the draft, save the season?

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

I recently came across a very interesting message on an ESPN comment board. I wanted to know what the Huddlers thought about it.

No matter who is right in this war between the NFL and NFLPA, both sides do not have any concern for us, the fans. They are killing the fan interest that produces ticket and merchandise sales, but most importantly the television audience they sell to advertisers. The NFL is expected to enter into TV contracts worth an additional 46 Billion dollars as soon as the next CBA is signed. The NFL just assumes we will once again slip back into old modes of behavior, and they have no fear we will not. Let's just put some fear in them.

The NFL and networks will be watching this draft very closely for any signs of slippage in its viewing audience. Last year, they proudly announced that the television ratings had increased by 18%, it was a sign that the NFL reached new levels of popularity. Now imagine how they would react if the rating declined by 50%.

If you intend to go to the draft in person, don't go, let the auditorium be half filled. Only watch the results of the Draft on your late night sports report, and these blogs which will be filled chatter about the selections. You will know who was selected, you will lose nothing, but maybe gain a season. Support your fellow fans by not acting like a fan. Send a message that the sleeping giant is starting to awaken, and he can not be taken for granted, or ignored any longer. This is only the first step.

Pass this message on, post it to your Facebook page and other blogs, Tweet "Join Fan Boycott of NFL Draft on TV". Spread the word

What is the take on this approach. Do you think it really matters?

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

Let me hit the huddle cliche's real quick:

BLA BLA BLA CAM NEWTON

SMOKESCREEN

THIS IS JUST SPECULATION..... Did I miss any?

[Ricky Spanish]

I recently came across a very interesting message on an ESPN comment board. I wanted to know what the Huddlers thought about it.

What is the take on this approach. Do you think it really matters?

I think it could if enough people did it. I say threaten to boycott any and all NFL related things until they get their poo together. show them we own them.

[Catalyst]

This is a good idea, but I fear not enough fans will listen.

[Dpantherman]

It will Never happen

[ammofan]

Not happening....the draft is too big of an event. I have been waiting since the end of the regular season for this!

[Stroupe-a-loop]

Hmmm . . . let me think . . . I choose you

SMOKESCREEN

Clearly, an opposing fan wanting us to not support our new franchise quarterback and start his tenure out on a sour note. Vintage smokescreen.

[firstdayfan]

That sad thing is that even if they piss off fans the owners and players know we will come running back when the deal is done. This is about their livelihoods (however greedy that may be) and they aren't going to let fans make them decide any faster. We are 100% at their mercy.

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

oops. forgot a cliche.

This is racist!

[Stumpy]

No offense, because I actually like the idea.

But, we (collectively) have been religiously debating the number 1 pick for the past four months. Nitpicking every analyst with an opinion of what we should do. Going through every Hurney/Rivera interview with a fine-toothed comb, trying to glean any hints we can.

Do you really think anyone on here (myself definately included) will be willing to wait the extra 10-15 mins for blogs to update their page with our pick?

[jtm]

Actually just the threat of doing this would be tremendous. Look what the internet did for the Egypt. The reality is the only people that need to boycott to affect ratings are the people attending live and people that have a Nielson ratings box.

[Jangler]

Won't happen. I even think if the CBA is resolved it would be nice to see a ratings fall in opening weekend on TV and the games.

But I will say this, I find out the daily news about the CBA and once that is done, I turn the channel IDGAF about any of the draft....even the Panthers at this point.