Scheduling Conflicts

Players Not Real Excited About Playing 18 Games

The NFL owners are meeting in Atlanta today, and the concept of an 18-game regular season is one of the main discussion points. While it appears a vote may not be taken on the idea today, there is no question momentum from the league and teams is pointing in the direction of reducing the preseason to two games. The possibility of moving to an 18-game schedule is drawing expected criticism from players. Raiders DE Richard Seymour said, “I can't believe we're talking about 18 games when we don't even know the effects of concussions and all these things we have.” Vikings G Steve Hutchinson added, “From the union's standpoint, we have to figure out a way to compensate us for two more games.” Meanwhile, Stan Kroenke’s bid for the Rams is approved this morning, and the DENVER POST's Mike Klis wonders if Kroenke has become the “most powerful person in sports” now that he has added the NFL team to his family’s portfolio that includes the Nuggets and Avalanche.