The NFL will advice teams how to proceed later today

[Dpantherman]

“We are filing tonight a request with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for a stay of the preliminary injunction pending our appeal,” Aiello said. “We believe there are strong legal and practical reasons that support a stay and that the Court of Appeals should have an opportunity to address the important legal issues that will be presented. We have asked the Court of Appeals to consider on an expedited basis both our request for a stay and the appeal itself. We are evaluating the District Court’s decision and will advise our clubs in the morning on how to proceed.”

The safest course would be to start the 2011 league year right now, pursuant to rules that the league should have selected weeks ago, if not longer. Anything short of that will create a very real risk of a finding that the league is, and has been, in contempt of court.

As to the draft itself, trades should be expanded to include players under contract. And other trades should be permitted as well.

Soon, we’ll know more about the course the league has chosen. It’s safe to say that a lot of money, and possibly more than a few careers, could be riding on this one.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/27/the-court-order-is-clear-the-nfl-should-be-conducting-business-as-usual/

[Marguide]

What a friggin mess.

If Hurney can successfully negotiate the Panthers through all of this, and come away with something that leaves the club in a good position going forward, he deserves a big time contract extension.

This is a minefield.

[Jackofalltrades]

How about "advise?"

[Dpantherman]

that too

[Tarheels23]

With this new ruling, I wouldn't be surprised if Smitty is traded tomorrow. Especially if it's business as usual!