Judge Susan Nelson grants preliminary injunction, lifts NFL lockout

On April 25, in a move that gives NFL fans a much better chance of witnessing a full 2011 season, Judge Susan Nelson, the Minnesota District judge in charge of the Brady v. NFL case, has [granted the players’ preliminary injunction, temporarily lifting the owner’s lockout of the players. The owners and players adjourned their court-ordered mediation talks on April 20 in anticipation of this ruling.

What this means for the immediate future of the NFL is still a bit unclear. The league is signaling that it will seek a stay of the ruling, and if they can get Judge Nelson, or the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, to modify the ruling the league may be able to re-impose the lockout. “We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes,” The NFL released in a statement. “But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal.”

While the players are tallying this ruling in the “win” column, many of the former NFLPA’s team respresentatives are encouraging their teammates to show up to team facilities. Steelers’ Safety Ryan Clark started calling and texting his teammates to inform them of their ability to report, while Titans’ player rep Jake Scott said he and some teammates would be at the Tennessee facility.

Even if the players do show up, it will be unclear what they’ll actually be allowed to do on team property. ESPN reported that the NFL has issued directions to teams, ordering them not to open the weight rooms nor engage in any contract discussions. A league source has also disclosed to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio that coaches have been directed not to speak with players while in the midst of labor limbo.

While the Judge’s ruling is not shocking, it will be interesting to see how the league handles this, especially in light of the fact that their biggest offseason draw, the NFL draft, begins on Thursday. Stay tuned.

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