The NFL operates as a cartel – at least that’s what the Supreme Court said - but in the past and present CBAs the union agrees not to file an antitrust suit. And it’s a lucky thing for us IMO because if the teams didn’t work “in concert” with one another the rich teams would have all the best players.
True, true- I can understand the "need" for a monopoly such as the NFL in creating a fair competitive environment for teams. It's a necessary evil in this regard.
I just think they overstep when they slap sanctions on teams for spending too much money in an uncapped year. Smacks just a bit too much of collusion for my taste, almost flagrantly so...
The fact there was hardly a peep out of the teams, and no peep at all out of the NFLPA, leads me to believe there is more to this story than meets the eye.
If I recall correctly, the NFLPA agreed not to complain about this as part of the new CBA. I believe this was a bargaining chip that they threw on the table. The problem with Dallas or Washington fighting this is that, in essence, they're suing themselves as NFL member organizations. It's a weird situation.
I just never understood why the NFL (re: Goodell) issued the sanctions here: just seems like such a flagrant "FU" to the notion that collusion is wrong.