Fans, Employees Suffer in NBA Lockout

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The ongoing NBA lockout hurts more than players and owners, downtown workers will no doubt feel the pinch too.

The NBA cancelled the first two weeks of the season. The cancellation includes all games originally scheduled to be played through November 14.

If the lockout drags on, it could negatively impact hundreds of downtown workers. One worker says he saw it coming months ago. "I can't rely on something that's a toss up in the air, I need something that's solid," said Darrell Flemons, who previously worked at a restaurant in FedExForum.

Despite the fast-paced action on the court, the chef said reports surfaced of a possible lockout last spring.

"First thing that went through my mind, not going to happen." But the father of three said he couldn't take the chance it would. "I transferred to another job before the season ended and I wasn't banking on them calling me back, from an inside source saying there wouldn't be a season," he said.

Since then Flemons said he's landed steady work, but the $20,000 yearly income from the gig inside the FedExForum is gone.

While he left before the lockout, he said other workers in downtown Memphis likely face uncertainty. Fans that once filled the seats now face a season up in the air.

91-year-old Jack Jones still sports Grizzlies gear. The games are locked into his routine. "If there's no Grizz games, what am I going to do until the Tigers game?" asked Jones.

He's serious too. Jones bought the first Grizzlies tickets years ago and last year, he earned the title of "Number 2 Grizz fan." The season ticket holder said he's hopeful the lockout won't cross over further into the season.

"The Grizz have captured the hearts and minds of several thousand Memphians," Jones said.

Like any true fan, he's confident a deal will be worked out with no plans to give up his tickets.

And Flemons said downtown workers will keep an eye on a game with players and owners on each side of the court, a game that could leave no winners.

"No players, no fans, no NBA."