The NFL has released an official statement on the ruling to lift the lockout made by Judge Nelson today. Surprise, surprise... they're appealing.
We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal.
If the 8th circuit court agrees to hear their appeal and issues a stay on Nelson's ruling, the process basically starts all over again and we're back at square one.
NFL PR guy Greg Aiello told Andrew Brandt, “We do not intend to start the league year until we have had an opportunity to seek a stay.”
So there will be no trades or free agency just yet.