With a work stoppage looming large in the less than a year, the NFL Player’s Association is pulling out the stops in its attempt to force the owners into sharing the riches derived in the past decade more equitably.

According to ESPN, the NFLPA has filed suit against the NFL and their apparent attempt to protect themselves in case of a strike in the near future, with the current TV deal set to turn the 2011 season into a profitable one, regardless of whether football is played or not.

The lawsuit’s main request is to have all TV money placed into escrow and held until a hypothetical lockout is complete. Obviously, such a move would provide the NFLPA significant leverage in their negotiations with the league, and could turn the tide in their favor with regards to the amount of money the players receive in the next collective bargaining agreement.

“It appears that the owners bought a strategy to lock players and fans out and nonetheless financially protect themselves. The players want to leave no stone unturned to make sure that CBA negotiations proceed in good faith and that next season is played in its entirety.”

– Baltimore cornerback Dominique Foxworth

For their part, the league is denying the TV contract was deliberately negotiated with such an outcome in mind, but there is little doubt that the thought crossed the minds of the owners more than a few times, considering the amount of money they stand to make as a result.

As always, we’ll keep you posted when more information becomes available.

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