Ongoing CBA discussions

[CRedskinsRule]

One more by Schefter:

NFL insisting union has enough financial info - ESPN

When the NFL did, the NFLPA declined to see it, a source familiar with the process told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, because it would compromise its public position on financial transparency.

The NFL's proposal, also reported by The Associated Press, included:

• audited league-wide profitability data with dollar figures from 2005 to 2009, based on individual club statements;

• the number of teams that have seen a shift in profitability in that span;

• an independent auditor to examine the data.

The league thought it was the first step in the beginning of financial transparency, but it was not transparent enough for the NFLPA.

The NFLPA declined comment when contacted by ESPN, saying it has been asked by the mediator not to discuss specific matters with respect to negotiations.

What's intriguing about these latest developments, with the NFL offering documented financial information, is the NFL provided Smith with what he has asked for in the past.

In September, Smith told WGR sports radio in Buffalo, "If there is anything wrong with this deal, if any team is losing money, if any team has lost money over the last five years, if profits are trending down over the past five years, show me and I'll change the CBA."

[SOUL-SKINS]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

One more by Schefter:

NFL insisting union has enough financial info - ESPN

So WTF more does Smith want.This guy is starting to piss me off. He asked for something the NFL said ok here look then he says no thanks still not good enough. I swear to god a deal better happen by Friday or I'm taking this into my own hands. I'll show them!!!

[over the mountain]

Originally Posted by SOUL-SKINS

So WTF more does Smith want.This guy is starting to piss me off. He asked for something the NFL said ok here look then he says no thanks still not good enough. I swear to god a deal better happen by Friday or I'm taking this into my own hands. I'll show them!!!

Listening to Demaurice Smith this morning he said the league offered to show two numbers. 1) the total profit of the league (i.e. 9 bil) 2) the total number of teams w/ declining profit (i.e. 9).

These numbers werent going to be broken down or supported in any way, just a peice of paper with 2 numbers on it.

He said if the league lists 9 teams w/ declining profit that number could and would include teams that made 249 mil this past season compared to 250 mil the year before.

He said they got more info from a Forbes 3 page article than the one page with 2 numbers the league offered.

The league did not offer to show each teams individual profits, numbers or anything of the sort.

He also said the NFLPA will not budge from their 50-50 offer until they get real disclosure that supports the league's position that teams are losing money (i.e. audited books from each team and league)

[Dirtbag59]

What is this "death bomb" expense? It was $76 billion last year alone?

[SmootSmack]

Sources: Agreement reached on rookie scale - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

[MTK]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Sources: Agreement reached on rookie scale - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Well that's some progress at least.

[Lotus]

The rookie wage scale was likely the easiest issue on which the sides could agree. Nonetheless it is better than no agreement at all.

[sportscurmudgeon]

Regarding an agreement on the rookie wage scale:


1. Yes, it was one of the easier issues to resolve since the union is negotiating away some of the leverage of folks who are not members of the union at the moment.

2. Yes, any agreement on any issue more germane to a new CBA than agreeing that "night" will come after "day" is a plus.


3. However, let us continue to be rational and maintain our scorn for both sides of this mess. Remember, these guys are arguing over how to split ANNUAL revenues of $9B+ - - and that is money that comes from the fans. Realize they could still have a work-stoppage over how to split up OUR money.


Take the news of this "settled issue" positively but do not get carried away just yet...

[Lotus]

^ You are correct. While it is good to retain some optimism, the only fruit picked so far is the low-hanging variety.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Sources: Agreement reached on rookie scale - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

According to this article though, no parameters have been set and clarity has not been completely established.

NFL talks hit snag as clock ticks - NYPOST.com

[QUOTE] There were reports quoting anonymous sources that the sides had agreed on the framework of a rookie wage scale, but both Smith and Pash denied that last night. [UN\

ps/ with so many issues and so much discussion, there's a go-round and it's not merry.

[CRedskinsRule]

Bruce Allen is there again today. Actually a little concerned that our GM is spending so much of this time in these sessions. I would say at this point he needs to be back focused on our team needs, and let the NFL Exec committee and the NFLPA hash it out (or not, as the case may go)

[MTK]

I'm sure BA can handle both duties, and that's what the rest of his front office team is for.

[Longtimefan]

^^^ [QUOTE] 3. However, let us continue to be rational and maintain our scorn for both sides of this mess. Remember, these guys are arguing over how to split ANNUAL revenues of $9B+ - - and that is money that comes from the fans. Realize they could still have a work-stoppage over how to split up OUR money. [UN\

The split is obviously the crux of this entire debacle which has been plain to see from the very beginning. $800 million is a wide disparity.

NFL News Feed: NFLPA presses owners for more financial data - Leonard Bernstein

[KI Skins Fan]

[quote=Longtimefan;788421]^^^

3. However, let us continue to be rational and maintain our scorn for both sides of this mess. Remember, these guys are arguing over how to split ANNUAL revenues of $9B+ - - and that is money that comes from the fans. Realize they could still have a work-stoppage over how to split up OUR money. [UN\

The split is obviously the crux of this entire debacle which has been plain to see from the very beginning. $800 million is a wide disparity.

NFL News Feed: NFLPA presses owners for more financial data - Leonard Bernstein

Are you saying it's about the money? I'm shocked to hear that! Shocked, I tell you!

There are way too many chiefs involved on the owners' side for the split to have been quickly resolved. The owners can't even resolve the issue of how their revenues are to be distributed among themselves. It seems that capitalist billionaires become confused when they attempt to practice socialism among themselves. Then, throw in the players' demands and it becomes a real mess.

[CRedskinsRule]

One thing for sure; All the big guns are finally in the same room.

various Twitter feeds:

Also going in with Kessler was @DeSmithNFLPA and Pete Kendall.
NFLPA outside counsel Jeffrey Kessler has entered the FMCS building.

Roger Goodell, Art Rooney, Joe Banner and Clark Hunt just got out of Escalade, walked into FMCS.

Expected among those from NFLPA today: Dawkins, Waters, Batch, Saturday, Morey, Bennett, McFarland, Kendall, Foxworth ...

NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, outside counsel Bob Batterman have arrived at FMCS.

Sign of critical stage: Jerry Jones, Jerry Richardson, Pat Bowlen, Mark Murphy, Mike Brown, Dean Spanos scheduled to be in Washington today.