website that brings in visitors and, thus, advertisers? And how many have their own TV department that turns out sellable content year-round? How many run operations like Silver Star Merchandising? That's the name of the firm the Cowboys recently announced to provide apparel and other products to college athletic programs. Remember Legends Hospitality, the concessions stand partnership between the Cowboys and Yankees?
Granted, the Cowboys haven't forged a lucrative naming rights deal for their stadium yet, but at least the current name increases the visibility and value of the team's brand. And it's not called "Jerry Jones Stadium," the narcissistic, dead end path a couple other teams have taken. Each of the teams passing on the burden to their employees had an opportunity somewhere along the way to make investments that would allow them to whether this storm.
The point is, all the owners knew this lockout - or the serious possibility of it - was coming, and each had some varying ability to prepare and insulate their respective organizations. The employees knew what was on the horizon as well, but it's much easier for a billionaire owner to save for a rainy day - or a player making even the league minimum - than it is for an equipment manager or a secretary or a mailroom worker who makes only a percentage in comparison.
This is a fight between the owners and players, one which either side had in their power to avoid. They each have their reasons for waiting it out, good or bad, but they also have a responsibility to avoid as much collateral damage as possible.
The Cowboys are one of the teams who deserve credit for taking care of the people who help make the organization so strong.
