Well, the 2011 NFL Lockout is official again. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the owners' request for a permanent stay. So, no free agency, no organized team workouts, no player interactions with coaches, no OTAs or training camps and no joy for the fans until the 8th Circuit Supreme Bum-Outs rule on the appeal of Judge Nelson's order lifting the lockout. ...Or—and here is a crazy idea—until the owners and players agree on a new CBA . Here is a quote from the 8th Circuit Dream Destroyers as found on ESPN:

In sum, we have serious doubts that the district court had jurisdiction to enjoin the league's lockout, and accordingly conclude that the league has made a strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits.

The appeal, which will be of the expedited variety, is scheduled to begin June 3rd, and that means there should be a decision before August, and certainly before September. However, I am losing all hope that that decision will bring us any football. As Judge Susan Nelson was on the side of the players, the 8th Circuiters appear to be on the side of the owners. At this point, I would be surprised if they do not overturn the decision to lift the lockout.