Owners, Players Targeting July 21 Ratification

[mooby]

Originally Posted by skinster

That seems like a non-issue. It seems in the unions and owners best interest to keep that relatively low. With the raised salary floor the money will go to the proven veterans, which is what everybody wants (except a few of the upcoming rookies looking to make top dollar.) I expect this to be more of a collaboration than a competition.

If the rookie wage scale is all thats left, I don't see any reason why it will take untill June 21st to bang out. Two days to negotiate, three more days for the lawyers to write up/review the papers, and one day to check it over and sign. July 21st seems to be stretching what should be happening sooner.

I've heard rumors (nothing confirmed) that the extra money from a rookie wage scale would go to retired players as part of the new retirement package. If that's true I think that would be a good idea that could still be improved on. I've read articles that seem to suggest both the owners and the players are trying to push the retired players' needs aside so a deal can get done sooner, and I hope that's not the case.

I don't think that's the case either but if it is that's a damn shame, because retired players who have devoted their lives to the game and now have serious medical bills as a result of it need more assistance than they've been getting.