DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFLPA, is asked a question as he arrives at the NFL Players Association offices in Washington, Wednesday, July 20, 2011. An end to the NFL lockout appears close, with both sides preparing to vote on a proposed d
DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFLPA, is asked a question as he arrives at the NFL Players Association offices in Washington, Wednesday, July 20, 2011. An end to the NFL lockout appears close, with both sides preparing to vote on a proposed deal once it is finalized. Susan Walsh, Associated Press

By Associated Press

NFL fans want their football. Some believe the owners tried to give it back to them, only to have the players balk.

When owners approved a tentative labor deal on Thursday, fans, like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell thought it was "time to get back to football." Not quite. Players have yet to ratify the agreement, and that has surprised and enraged many.

Former pro quarterback Jim Miller hosted a four-hour show Friday on SiriusXM NFL Radio and estimated at least 60 percent of the callers were angry with the players.

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But those who make a living molding images and dealing with crisis management say there's no reason to come down on the NFLPA for taking time to make sure the 10-year deal is a fair one.

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