The new proposed NLL playoff format, yet to be voted on by the players association, has created some problems for players who play in two leagues. Commissioner George Daniel addressed it today.Daniel spoke earlier today and said this, according to a report. ““There isn’t animosity towards the MLL in any way, shape or form. This isn’t a decision that was directed at them in any way. Both leagues are driven by ticket revenues. We both need to maximize those revenues and play at the optimum times. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of an overlap in achieving that.”
Major League Lacrosse, which now plays a 14 game season, normally begins play in early May or this season, the every end of April. In the past they had started in June but with more games and more teams they have pushed it back.
Meanwhile, the NLL has started in January and ended in April, the leagues normally affecting each other just once a year. Now with the NLL, 18 games and two game playoff series, ending at the end of May players could miss up to five MLL games.
“There are logistical and market-driven reasons that right now, for us to start the season any earlier than late December, right now we’re not prepared to do that. That’s not to say in the future we wouldn’t consider an earlier start.”
Daniel has emphasized that the players have overwhelmingly liked the plan with this next quote; “If for some reason we didn’t come to an agreement on these issues, we would most likely revert to the status quo. I think the players on the whole prefer this format, even with the flaws they think it has. This is a much preferred format for most of the players.”
Below are quotes of some NLL players and their thoughts on the format.
That is the worst playoff format I have ever see in sports history!!! Way to go @NLL you really nailed it… #bushleague#mikeymouse
— Kyle Laverty (@17lakeshow) August 23, 2013
The new @NLL playoff format reminds me of beer league hockey playoffs. #DWHL#SoooBush
— Angus Goodleaf (@AngBang55) August 23, 2013
If the @NLL changes are true, it becomes a lot harder to play and have a career
— Tyler Richards (@TylerRichards00) August 23, 2013
It is obvious that the format is not the favorite thing of these NLL players. Maybe the NLL does not want to hurt MLL, and it seems very unlikely they would go out of their way to do so. But to say this is the preferred format seems a bit optimistic. With that said, some players such as Jarrett Davis, Ryan Ward and Lewis Ratcliff have expressed their pleasure with the new format.
This decision affects the game of lacrosse incredibly. If it will be for the positive or for the negative remains to be seen. Daniel sees it as a way to grow the NLL brand, and these is no malice in that. Does it affect where players get opportunities? That is the question to consider. If MLL might have to push their season up remains to be seen too, and there is no doubt that players who play in both leagues have expressed more concern than those who do not.
