ESPN is reporting that New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees recently revealed what he thinks was a turning point between the NFL owners and players that ultimately caused the lockout now in Day 73.  Brees cites August 20, 2008, the day long time union leader Gene Upshaw died of pancreatic cancer.  INTERPRETATION:  This is a "diplomatic" way of saying the NFL owners are taking a draconian stance because they think new NFLPA head, DeMaurice Smith, is weak.  Brees' exact words are below:

"Ever since Gene Upshaw passed away -- I'm just goint to lay it out ther -- the owners saw blood in the water.  This is our opportunity to take a significant piece of the (financial) pie back at all costs, a piece that we will never have to give back again.  This is our chance, while they don't have leadership, while they're scrambling to find a new executive director.  This is our time."