James Jones hits out at the owners over lockout – NBA Labour Dispute Update
The NBA labour dispute, which has caused a lockout, seems to be getting worse with each passing day. The owners have so far shown no signs of backing down from their demands and increasingly more players are speaking out against
them. The latest to do so is the Miami Heat reserve small forward James Jones.
James Jones is a free agent this summer, but his future is on hold because of the lockout as no team can offer him a contract until the situation is resolved. He was therefore understandably upset and vented his fury at the owners
in a recent interview, claiming their demands were far too excessive,
“They’re holding fast to what they want and what they’ve asked for,” Jones said, speaking of owners. “We’ve made some concessions and agreed to move it in the right direction. But moving in the right direction isn’t enough. They
want it all.”
James comments echoed the sentiments of a huge number of players and NBA analysts who believe the owners are being too greedy in the current lockout. Although generally the average fan is against the players in situations like
these, as the players already get paid millions of dollars and fans can’t get their heads around why they want more, the feeling is markedly different this time.
The NBA players are basically not asking for more, they are even willing to take cuts. The owners however want most of the money for themselves. The players currently get 57 percent of the Basketball Related Income, the BRI, and
are prepared to drop their share down to around 53 percent. The owners are not satisfied with that though. David Stern wants the players share down to the low forties and wants to keep all the profits from revenue growth to the league as well.
If any of our bosses came up with a proposal like that, I know what words I would have for him. Still the players are willing to sit down and talk and are hoping the lockout won’t cost games or a season to the NBA.
James Jones, who won the 3-point contest at this year’s All Star Weekend, said the players are keeping in shape and are ready for whenever the lockout may end,
“Our players will continue to be pros. That's the privilege of being one of the elite athletes in the world. Regardless of the situation, you've got to remain prepared and be ready for when your number's called."
The ball really is in the owner’s court. Any realistic neutral can see that the players are never going to, nor should they, bow down to the demands the NBA is currently sticking to. If the league decides to soften its stance,
and to talk, only then can a solution be reached.
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