So Who's in Control Here?

With all apologies to Alex Haig, the folks who follow football have reason to ask that question right now.
First of all, consider this week's reports that the National Football League and the former union for its players had gotten together to discuss their differences. At first, we were told that the talks were so secret, some NFL owners did not know they were taking place. Then, we were told that the judge who oversaw earlier mediation efforts between the players and owners had instigated the new talks.
And all this was before the appellate court in St. Louis heard the case and said, essentially, "We'll get back to you."
Now, anyone who loves the game of football (and its love child, fantasy football) as much as the People's Pigskin will not quibble about how the conflict between players and owners is resolved, as long as it is resolved sometime before September 8. But you have to wonder if something other than altruism is motivating the sudden burst of activity on this front.
You see, the same week all this was happening, DirecTV sent its subscribers a letter about its NFL Sunday Ticket package. For the folks who run television, this conflict is not just an annoyance. It's a money issue. Football makes money -- Scrooge McDuck-type money -- for these folks, and they can't be happy that people are threatening harm to that money flow.
That might be why DirecTV sent this letter:

"Your NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ subscription is set to automatically renew for the 2011 season. Due to the NFL's uncertain labor situation, DIRECTV is offering all subscribers a no-risk policy. There will be absolutely no charge for your NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription until it is confirmed that the 2011 NFL season will begin.
What happens with your NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription during the dispute?

• A balance of $0.00 will show for the NFL SUNDAY TICKET portion of your bill. 
• Once an agreement is reached, your subscription will renew for six easy payments of $53.99 each. 
• If any games are cancelled from the season schedule, the balance on your bill will be adjusted accordingly." 

Coincidence? Maybe.

One reminder: You have until tonight to vote for the People's Pitstop lineup for Sunday's NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway. You have put the Internet's favorite fantasy NASCAR team on a roll, and you can keep it there.

We'll be back with the results.