I see where the NFL owners look like they'll opt out of the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), perhaps this week. Looks like no change for 2008 and 2009. Then the fun starts.

2010 would be a year with no salary cap and free agency gets delayed from year four to year six for players. Aye, there's the rub. Seemingly the union would have an issue with that, given the limited career, therefore earning power of the average NFL player. Oh, and the draft would not exist after 2011.

I realize it's very early in the proceedings, but I was surprised Commissioner Tagliabue got that last deal through somehow. I think there was still some damage from all the other sports having a lockout since the last one in the NFL in 1987, and both sides succumbed. If the players have to give things back, I'd say it'll make a lot of news as we get closer to 2010.

Meal of Links

Friends, neighbors, countrymen. Don't let this happen to me.

Seems like Radiohead an unusual amount of fans who didn't make it to their DC area show. Storms, bad directions from venue staff, etc. Refunds? Uh, that would be a no.

Early Crawdaddy issues. With advertisements, too! I saw one from October of 1968 for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown that was cool. His head appeared to be on fire while wearing flame-retardant gear.

Exercise Yard

You can't take a shot with this bunch against Big Brown in today's Preakness Stakes. Again, an absolutely awful field. Andy Beyer said yesterday he thought they went to Central Park and rounded up some horses from Hansom Cabs. He claimed it was the worst field for a Triple Crown race in his lifetime.

Therefore, try and beat Big Brown at the Belmont.

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23 Across: Radio DJ Rick (4 letters) Answer: Dees