Quote:
Originally Posted by Phila26Flyers
It doesn't matter what the owners make. They're the owners. They're the ones who have the capital to run the business, and are entitled to a fair share of the financial benefits. That fair share is dictated by the CBA, which is obviously being negotiated. I don't think it's so terrible, from a business flow standpoint, the owners want a healthy return on their investment. The concept is the same as any other business. It doesn't matter that the NHL is a multibillion dollar business. There are many multibillion dollar businesses in this country where the executives get paid a king's ransom. Some accept it, others believe in wealth redistribution, which is what the players are arguing. At this point, it becomes more about political beliefs and how you believe the system should work.
The owners have been far from perfect, but let's not pretend the players union is being victimized.
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I don't disagree that "from a business flow standpoint, the owners want a healthy return", but you have to realize that their investment isn't into technology, it's into product. The product also deserves a healthy return. Sports aren't like most businesses. No one shows up to watch "name the owner's" team because of the owner. The owner doesn't create the product, they may buy pieces (and later try to welch on said contract, as in the lockouts), but the product is the players' talent.
We're not talking about selling the widgets that the owner designed, or his employees designed, and his factories created. We go to games for one thing, to watch the players. They are the only reason the league exists.
The owners are saying we want 50% of the profits before intangibles, the players have said, that's fair, but you have to pay us what you've agreed. The owners are saying, no, we'll pay you part of what we agreed, over time, and with no compensation for breaking those contracts.
Tell me what's fair here? I'd love to tell my employees, you take a pay cut now and forever. Your current contract, well, that gets cut now, but eventually I'll pay you back part of that cut. Oh, yeah, down the line, I expect you to take another pay cut, but will agree to a big contract (knowing I'll never actually pay it) before I do.
12-14-2012, 06:41 AM
To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high. 
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