It took 31 days, but the NFL lockout got its first overheated Nazi analogy Wednesday. The comments came courtesy of former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, who likened commissioner Roger Goodell's negotiating tactics to those of Hitler's secret police force during an ESPN Radio interview. His full comments:

"I think the way Mr. Goodell has handled this, the way he's kind of using his power, is like the kind of a Gestapo-type situation, controlling the players, not letting the judicial system do its work. It rubs a lot of players the wrong way, and that’s why you see a lot of players now lashing out at Mr. Goodell."

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason previously called Goodell "a joke," and Chargers linebacker Kevin Burnett said the commissioner was "a liar" and "full of it," comments that are much more mild than likening him to a Nazi.

If you believe in Godwin's Law, the players just lost points in the labor fight.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at rgustini at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
Ray Gustini