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After last Thursday's "event," I have some very mixed feelings on the subject. I don't know that this show of unity during a game is much more appropriate than political statements coming during Academy Awards acceptances. There are probably better venues for such "statements."
Texans, Colts plan sign of solidarity
Players rush to show unity in labor dispute with owners
By JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2010 Houston Chronicle
Sept. 11, 2010, 12:19AM
If they can put it together in time for Sunday's season opener against Indianapolis, players from the Texans and Colts will have a show of solidarity similar to the one at New Orleans on Thursday night.
Right after the national anthem at the Superdome, players from the Saints and Vikings walked onto the field and held up their index fingers as a sign of solidarity in their battle with the owners over a new collective bargaining agreement.
The owners are threatening to lock out the players beginning in March - and possibly canceling the 2011 season.
"We're working on it," said Texans middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the team's player representative. "I think it's (showing solidarity) important. I think it's something we should do if we can put it together."
The show of solidarity in New Orleans wasn't orchestrated by the NFL Players Association.
"This didn't come down from the (NFLPA office), which I think makes it even more special because it's just the players," said offensive tackle Eric Winston, who assists Ryans. "I think it would be a pretty cool thing to do if we can get all the guys together in time."
After practice Friday, players around the league were scrambling to try to set up the show of solidarity in time for Sunday's game. Ryans was trying to get in touch with center Jeff Saturday and middle linebacker Gary Brackett, the Colts' representatives.
"If we can't get it together, then we'll save it for another time," Winston said. "I think it's something we should do more of."
Kubiak unconcerned
Texans coach Gary Kubiak was focused on the Colts and not worried about the players showing solidarity.
"I saw what took place," Kubiak said about the Saints-Vikings game, "but I don't have a feeling one way or another."
Most coaches want their players to be united no matter what they do. Texans defensive end Mario Williams agreed.
"If we're not on the same page, No. 1, it's not going to work," Williams said. "We've got to be on the same page and be of one accord, and we'll be all right."
Safe until March
The fans have no sympathy for either side. They just want football. They've got it this season, but nothing is guaranteed for 2011.
Callers to local radio talk shows suggested that if the players walk on the field and extend their index fingers, the fans should extend middle fingers to show the players and owners what they think of the possible lockout.
There is plenty of time to work out a new collective bargaining agreement. The lockout won't go into effect until March 4, and no football games will be canceled before the 2011 preseason.
"We have to get this ironed out," strong safety Bernard Pollard said. "Football's such a great game, but it won't be the same if they don't get it ironed out.
"From a business standpoint, the owners love to make money. So do we. Who doesn't love to make money, so why stop it?
"If we can come together and get that (show of solidarity) done, why not? That would be a statement, but at the end of the day, it gets done behind closed doors."