National Football League

K.C. mayor urges owners to pledge against lockout

Published Feb. 15, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Last week Kansas City mayor Mark Funkhouser wrote a letter to Kansas City Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt asking for the owners to pledge against a lockout citing what his city — and presumably other NFL markets — stand to lose should the NFL players union and owners not come to an agreement on the highly-debated CBA.

The Kansas City Star printed the letter Monday:

Dear Mr. Hunt:

I have followed with concern the media reports about a looming lock out in the game that I love with all of my heart. It is clear that the vast popularity and financial success of football means that a lock out cannot be in the interest of anybody involved, particularly the fans, workers or businesses who support the game. I understand the need for both sides to create pressure, but I also know that at times it is important to decrease tenor and tone in order for the right deal to be made in a non-emotional atmosphere.

Accordingly, I call upon the owners to announce to the fans that they will not lock out the players. The players already have pledged to not strike. By making the parallel commitment, the owners would create the breathing room for a deal to be struck. This is common sense if the owners truly want to keep the game going, as Commissioner Goodell has stated.

Sincerely,
Mark Funkhouser
Mayor, City of Kansas City, Missouri