SB Nation's Joel Thorman is reporting that the NFL Player's Association has sent an email to all agents and players, saying that in their belief, the 2011 NFL Season is now underway, after Judge Susan Nelson's ruling to deny the requested stay by the NFL came down late Wednesday night. From the email:
The NFL has filed for an emergency stay with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, while the Eighth Circuit considers the NFL's stay request. Unless and until such a request is granted, however, we believe the 2011 League Year now has to begin; the Clubs must open their facilities to allow players to work out, meet with coaches and otherwise perform their jobs; and the NFL and the Clubs cannot collectively continue to refuse to deal with players.
I'm not a lawyer, and don't pretend to be one, so I don't know whether the NFL would be held in contempt if they continue to ignore Judge Nelson's ruling, or they'll just be fined heavily for not complying. What I do know is that a former Colts player ran into some problems this morning, trying to get into the Titans facility. From Jim Wyatt, writer at the Tennessean:
Security has picked up at #Titans facility. There's now an armed guard at lot entry. Inside, boxes have been stacked high leading to wt room
Jake Scott on armed security at parking lot today. "I guess we pose a threat. I guess they think we are going to storm the building."#Titans
Looks like Bud Adams really doesn't want to let his team work out. Yikes. Looks like the ball is now squarely in the NFL's court. We'll see what happens next.