WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The NFL and the players' union were losing their battle to win over the hearts of the American sporting public after failing to resolve their bitter dispute over how to carve up $9 billion.
Although the feuding parties managed to avoid a lockout, at least temporarily, by agreeing to extend their negotiations by 24 hours, that alone provided little relief to American sports fans and media outlets who are becoming increasingly frustrated.
Most have already run out of patience and none expressed any sympathy for wealthy owners and players squabbling over a fortune at a time when millions of Americans were struggling to make ends meet.
"The fans are being smacked in the face by indifference and insensitivity by each side," William Rhoden wrote in the New York Times.
The New York Post also attacked the NFL and the union for their treatment of fans.
"Neither side gives a rat's rectum about the fans, never has, and never will - until it's too late," Phil Mushnick wrote.
Thomas Boswell, writing in the Washington Post, said the row was reflecting badly, both on the NFL and players.
"Lots of money on the table brings out the worst in people, seldom the best," he wrote.
Fans vented their own frustrations on blog sites all over the country.
"How dare you fight over millions when many of us are struggling to make ends meet," read a typical entry on the Boston Globe.
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina)
