The NFL and Player's Union Discussion Thread

[Mike FF Today 732]

After a couple hours, talks concluded until after July 4th weekend.

 

The two sides held a 15-hour session Thursday that spilled over into the early hours Friday. After taking a six-hour break to catch some sleep, the sides met again but by late morning left the office building where talks were being held.

 

The clock is ticking boys, let's get this done already.

[jocstrap 8]

After a couple hours, talks concluded until after July 4th weekend.

 

The two sides held a 15-hour session Thursday that spilled over into the early hours Friday. After taking a six-hour break to catch some sleep, the sides met again but by late morning left the office building where talks were being held.

 

The clock is ticking boys, let's get this done already.

 

 

A good report...then a bad report...then a good report...then a setback

 

This one is good

 

Rotoworld) NFL Network's Albert Breer reports the owners and players made "major strides" on the revenue split late into Thursday night and early Friday morning.

Analysis: Talks didn't wrap up until after midnight after they came close to breaking down earlier in the day. Mediator Arthur Boylan has "optimism building a bit," and it now looks like the revenue split "might not be a major stumbling block" when talks resume next week. Boylan orchestrated a "huge rebound," writes Breer. That sentiment coincides with a cryptic tweet from CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, who suggested football fans should be thanking Boylan as the July 4 holiday weekend begins.

[Mike FF Today 732]

A good report...then a bad report...then a good report...then a setback

 

I tweeted this report a few hours ago from Albert Breer. You are following FFToday on Twitter aren't you jocstrap (and everyone else)?

[jocstrap 8]

I tweeted this report a few hours ago from Albert Breer. You are following FFToday on Twitter aren't you jocstrap (and everyone else)?

 

 

I don't even have a cell phone - do you want to pay the $75 per month fee on that bill? I have 3 kids, and they suck me dry. I do have access to the computer though, which is updated very frequently - I have my sources

 

 

By the way, if you send me a shirt...I'll wear it all the time and get more ff players coming to this board

[Mike FF Today 732]

I don't even have a cell phone

 

[Vikings4ever 562]

As if this wasn't already a big enough clusterfock:

 

http://kstp.com/news/stories/s2185004.shtml?cat=1

A group of retired NFL players has filed a complaint against the league and its current players, saying they have been excluded from the negotiation sessions taking place in an attempt to end the lockout.

 

 

The retired players filed the suit in Minneapolis on Monday evening. They are asking U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson to put a halt to the mediation she ordered and allow them to return to the bargaining table.

 

 

The complaint also argues that because the current players have disbanded their union it is a violation of antitrust laws to bargain on behalf of the retired players. It accuses the current players and the owners are conspiring to push the retired players to the back burner while they negotiate to maximize their own profits.

[RLLD 4,272]

As if this wasn't already a big enough clusterfock:

 

http://kstp.com/news...004.shtml?cat=1

 

 

[Mike FF Today 732]

Deal could be ratified July 21st

 

There is a growing belief inside league circles that the NFL and NFL Players Association will have an agreement in place that can be ratified during the July 21 league meetings in Atlanta, according to sources familiar with the state of negotiations.

 

As one NFL owner said this weekend, there's "no reason to believe it won't get done."

 

However, one member of the players' negotiating team who has been a constant presence at the table said that players feel they have made significant concessions and overtures "that have not been reciprocated."

 

The "Transition Rules" spell out an actual timeline for roster transactions under the July 21 deal scenario, including the start of the new league year during which free agents would become eligible for the open market on July 28.

 

The Transition Rules also would include a designated period (3 days) for teams to sign undrafted free agent rookies and resing their own free agents.

 

This should allow for most camps to begin on time and not lose any preseason games except for Hall of Fame game which is set for August 7th.

[jocstrap 8]

Deal could be ratified July 21st

 

There is a growing belief inside league circles that the NFL and NFL Players Association will have an agreement in place that can be ratified during the July 21 league meetings in Atlanta, according to sources familiar with the state of negotiations.

 

As one NFL owner said this weekend, there's "no reason to believe it won't get done."

 

However, one member of the players' negotiating team who has been a constant presence at the table said that players feel they have made significant concessions and overtures "that have not been reciprocated."

 

The "Transition Rules" spell out an actual timeline for roster transactions under the July 21 deal scenario, including the start of the new league year during which free agents would become eligible for the open market on July 28.

 

The Transition Rules also would include a designated period (3 days) for teams to sign undrafted free agent rookies and resing their own free agents.

 

This should allow for most camps to begin on time and not lose any preseason games except for Hall of Fame game which is set for August 7th.

 

 

thanks for all the updates you've being posting on this subject

[Cstriker 2]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d820e3984/article/owners-ok-new-labor-agreement-focus-now-on-players-vote?module=HP11_breaking_news

[Cuse9 130]

The players won't ratify it though

 

According to SI.com's Jim Trotter, "you can take it to the bank" that the players will not ratify the owners' proposal "as currently presented."

 

Commissioner Roger Goodell was left with the impression that NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith will recommend the proposal to his constituents, but the player reps aren't ready to recertify just yet. NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora reports there are still at least "four or five" outstanding issues in the NFL's tentative document. Several player reps have told ESPN that they are "unhappy" that the owners' actions have "painted us into a corner." The bottom line is that there is still negotiating left to do.

 

I'm about ready to retire football for the year. The players are getting more than they should already. This is getting old and tiring very fast.

[Mike FF Today 732]

Cstriker - your headline isn't correct. The owners have approved a proposed new CBA deal. The players have NOT agreed to it and have yet to vote. The lockout is not over.

[Cstriker 2]

Cstriker - your headline isn't correct. The owners have approved a proposed new CBA deal. The players have NOT agreed to it and have yet to vote. The lockout is not over.

 

Thanks for the correction. I misunderstood this cnn headline "NFL owners ratify deal to end lockout"

[Cuse9 130]

NFLPA boss De Smith sent an email to the board of player representatives, clarifying that there is "no agreement" with the owners as of Thursday night.

 

In a final power play, it's beginning to look more and more like the owners ratified their own proposal rather than an agreement between the two sides. Profootballtalk's Mike Florio believes "there's no way" players will approve the deal Thursday night, as the NFLPA insists on collectively bargaining several outstanding issues. We're no longer buying commissioner Goodell's claim that Smith signed off on this deal. The NFL is simply tightening the vice grip to apply pressure in the public eye.

 

NFL stands for "No Football League". Greedy idiots! You already get way more of a share from your "company" than any other working person in this country. Good grief!

[Mike FF Today 732]

Owners vote, approve new CBA deal. Players yet to vote.

 

NFL owners approved a proposed 10-year labor agreement with the NFL Players Association on Thursday, putting the potential end to the league's lockout in the hands of the players -- who might cast their own vote Thursday night. Owners voted 31-0 to accept the proposed collective bargaining agreement, with the Oakland Raiders abstaining.

[Gepetto 1,382]

Not good response from the players: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d820e6ed4/article/nflpa-shows-displeasure-with-league-in-email-to-player-reps?module=HP11_hot_topics

[oldguru 0]

You have got to be kidding me. The players pay De Smith alot of money to negotiate for them. You can bet that Goodall thought an agreement was in place, I would bet that the terms were agreed to by De Smith, and would bet that De Smith and Goodall shook hands on the agreement that the owners ratified. What a joke, for De Smith to allow his players to second guess all of the negotiating that has taken place, and not getting the vote done. What the heck does it matter who approved the CBA first? Did the owners screw up that bad by voting before the players? It should not have mattered. Gene Upshaw has to be turning over in his grave. Say what you want, but when Upshaw shook hands with a commissioner on a final CBA........it was a done deal. Sad. Disgusting.

[Smileseers 54]

It is laughable that Goodell thinks that he can dictate timelines. The owners finally get their business done and expect the other party to finish in hours.

 

This is a process.

 

The good news is.....are you ready for some football??

[MDC 7,546]

Schefter says both sides have a deal and the Monday vote is a formality. Get ready for some football?

[Cuse9 130]

 

 

 

and most important....

 

We can chitcan this guy ----->

[Phurfur 70]

Why are they waiting until Monday?

[MDC 7,546]

Why are they waiting until Monday?

 

Probably to reconvene for a formal vote.

[madd futher mucker 36]

Why are they waiting until Monday?

 

They are mourning Amy Winehouse's funeral today.

 

Seriously, it WILL happen on Monday, but there is still some bickering on the "opt-out" clause that must be resolved today. Shouldn't really hold anything up tho, although as the late great Casey Stengel once said "It's not over till the fat lady sings.

[Bishop82 61]

:Holds his breathe:

[Phurfur 70]

They are mourning Amy Winehouse's funeral today.

 

Seriously, it WILL happen on Monday, but there is still some bickering on the "opt-out" clause that must be resolved today. Shouldn't really hold anything up tho, although as the late great Casey Stengel once said "It's not over till the fat lady sings.

 

No he didn't.

 

Yogi said "It ain't over until it is over"...............?

[koopatroopa 0]

rich men losing money to richer men. Lets play football!

[ToadSprocket 12]

They are mourning Amy Winehouse's funeral today.

 

Seriously, it WILL happen on Monday, but there is still some bickering on the "opt-out" clause that must be resolved today. Shouldn't really hold anything up tho, although as the late great Casey Stengel once said "It's not over till the fat lady sings.

 

 

Excuse me but it was the 1978 World Championship Washington Bullets Head Coach ###### Motta who made that saying popular.

 

Casey Stengal's popular saying was when he was with the newly formed NY Mets saying Can Anybody Here Play This Game?

 

Yw

[IGotWorms 4,060]

You guys are all wrong. I believe it was Whitey Ford who first brought "It's not over 'til the fat lady sings" into the popular lexicon back in 1955.

[madd futher mucker 36]

Adam Schefter: "The NFL Players Association and the league's owners have reached agreement on the remaining points needed in their 10-year labor deal, sources from both sides said.

 

"Despite the fact the new agreement will require a majority vote from the players, that part of the deal between the two sides is considered a formality, according to sources.

 

"The NFLPA is making plans for a major press conference Monday. But first the player reps' executive committee is scheduled to fly to Washington, D.C., on Sunday so they can vote Monday."

 

The next steps will be an official vote from the Executive Committee Monday but as the article says, that looks to be a formality. Then the players will confirm. It looks like players will be back in the building by Wednesday with Free Agency opening Saturday. As Schefter says, "Once the players ratify the deal, training camps and free agency are likely to begin the same day, in what would be the equivalent of merging Thanksgiving and Christmas into one holiday."

 

Break open a cold one or pop those champagne corks!!!!

 

But hold on to those corkscrews for just a sec. Per Mike Florio, on July 4, "a group of retired players led by Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller made the ultimate power play, filing an amended class-action lawsuit to include both the NFL, the 10 current players who sued the NFL, and NFLPA* executive director DeMaurice Smith.

 

The claims, which are in our estimation borderline frivolous given the retired players’ lack of legal standing to force the league and the current players to give the retired players any cut of the revenue pie, would still need to be properly resolved via appropriate due process, which necessarily could take some time even if the courts agree with our assessment. Thus, if they want to, Eller and company could delay the settlement between the league and the players.

 

Against that background, a source with knowledge of the broader negotiations reports that the Eller plaintiffs are still in position to potentially torpedo the deal."

 

 

Now on to more important matters: I shoulda googled "It's not over til the fat lady sings. "Although originally the proverb was, "The carnival isn't over until the fat lady sings," its use in sports journalism has been attributed to writer/broadcaster Dan Cook; his original line was "The opera ain't over till the fat lady sings."[1] This occurred in April 1978, when he used the phrase after the first basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) during the 1977-78 National Basketball Association playoffs, to illustrate that while the Spurs had won once, the series was not over yet.

 

The phrase has also been used by former Baltimore Orioles' manager Earl Weaver.

 

Fred R. Shapiro found and published an example in The Yale Book of Quotations which appeared in the Dallas Morning News on 10 March 1976:

 

Despite his obvious allegiance to the Red Raiders, Texas Tech sports information director Ralph Carpenter was the picture of professional objectivity when the Aggies rallied for a 72-72 tie late in the SWC tournament finals. "Hey, Ralph," said Bill Morgan, "this... is going to be a tight one after all." "Right", said Ralph, "the opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings."

 

The imagery of Richard Wagner's opera suite Der Ring des Nibelungen and its last part, Götterdämmerung, is typically the one used in depictions accompanying reference to the phrase. The "fat lady" is the valkyrie Brünnhilde, who is traditionally presented as a very buxom lady with horned helmet, spear and round shield (although Brünhilde actually wears a winged helmet). Her aria lasts almost twenty minutes and leads directly to the end of the opera, though the character Hagen has one final line, "Zurück vom Ring!", to sing after Brünnhilde's death, and there is also a substantial orchestral finale. As Götterdämmerung is about the end of the world (or at least the world of the Norse gods), in a very significant way "it is [all] over when the fat lady sings." (Wikipedia)

[IGotWorms 4,060]

Now on to more important matters: I shoulda googled "It's not over til the fat lady sings. "Although originally the proverb was, "The carnival isn't over until the fat lady sings," its use in sports journalism has been attributed to writer/broadcaster Dan Cook; his original line was "The opera ain't over till the fat lady sings."[1] This occurred in April 1978, when he used the phrase after the first basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) during the 1977-78 National Basketball Association playoffs, to illustrate that while the Spurs had won once, the series was not over yet.

 

The phrase has also been used by former Baltimore Orioles' manager Earl Weaver.

 

Fred R. Shapiro found and published an example in The Yale Book of Quotations which appeared in the Dallas Morning News on 10 March 1976:

 

Despite his obvious allegiance to the Red Raiders, Texas Tech sports information director Ralph Carpenter was the picture of professional objectivity when the Aggies rallied for a 72-72 tie late in the SWC tournament finals. "Hey, Ralph," said Bill Morgan, "this... is going to be a tight one after all." "Right", said Ralph, "the opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings."

 

The imagery of Richard Wagner's opera suite Der Ring des Nibelungen and its last part, Götterdämmerung, is typically the one used in depictions accompanying reference to the phrase. The "fat lady" is the valkyrie Brünnhilde, who is traditionally presented as a very buxom lady with horned helmet, spear and round shield (although Brünhilde actually wears a winged helmet). Her aria lasts almost twenty minutes and leads directly to the end of the opera, though the character Hagen has one final line, "Zurück vom Ring!", to sing after Brünnhilde's death, and there is also a substantial orchestral finale. As Götterdämmerung is about the end of the world (or at least the world of the Norse gods), in a very significant way "it is [all] over when the fat lady sings." (Wikipedia)

 

Whitey Ford

[Mike FF Today 732]

Agreement has been reached.

 

After months of public nastiness and private negotiations, of court filings and rulings, of players and owners squabbling over more than $9 billion a year, NFL fans finally saw the handshake and heard the words they awaited: "Football's back."

 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Players Association head DeMaurice Smith both used that phrase while standing shoulder-to-shoulder Monday, announcing their agreement on a 10-year deal to end the lockout that began in March.