Handful of Owners Resisting Parameters of New Deal

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

Glad to hear you're confident about it. I was thinking that maybe the reports on this snowballed into this unofficial consensus that a deal was close to done, but in reality it might not be that close. In fairness, I've read that mid-july is realistic and anything could still happen.

With all the reporting now giving hope to the fans, it will be a major pr issue if this falls through. Guess that's one more reason that both sides need to get a deal.

Mid July is realistic for free agency. For all intents and purposes, from all I've heard the deal is just about agreed upon (and I realize "just about" is as dangerous a term as "he has potential"), but it may take 2-3 weeks to make that a formal CBA.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

No.

We're almost there fellas. Free Agency is right around the corner. It's like March in July!

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Does anyone think that a ruling from Doty (on the TV deals) or from 8th District CoA would derail the process that is happening now? I am just curious because clearly either of those could happen at any point now. Do the negotiations have enough steam to get over one side or the other being handed an unexpected or major victory, such as the DCoA siding with the players or Doty awarding an incredibly small amount?

Thats why there is a mediator, and why the 8th Circuit has said they would hold off ruling as long as progress is being made.

[SmootSmack]

The Daily Shoutout - CBSSports.com

[MTK]

Yeah I think as long as talks are progressing, there won't be a ruling. That is the last resort and nobody wants to see that happen.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Given that the NFL won't lift the lockout until an actual CBA is finalized, and even an agreement in principle is still weeks away (and a CBA will take several More weeks or even months and then the whole legal process starts, then if the CBA is approved there's weeks of free agency and training camp) i just don't see how games won't be missed.

The players gave up some money- the owners should return hat good faith and lift the lockout, or atleast allow free agency to start, as soon as an agreement in principle is reached. Perhaps both sides can agree to follow 2010 fa rules until the agreement is done

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

Given that the NFL won't lift the lockout until an actual CBA is finalized, and even an agreement in principle is still weeks away (and a CBA will take several More weeks or even months and then the whole legal process starts, then if the CBA is approved there's weeks of free agency and training camp) i just don't see how games won't be missed.

The players gave up some money- the owners should return hat good faith and lift the lockout, or atleast allow free agency to start, as soon as an agreement in principle is reached. Perhaps both sides can agree to follow 2010 fa rules until the agreement is done

An agreement in principle is maybe a week or two away at best, after that it should take maybe another 2 weeks to finalize and formalize it (not sure what you mean by the whole legal process starts then), and there wouldn't be a full training camp and pre-season. They aren't going to finalize a deal in early August let's say and then have a full off-season. They'll just abbreviate it in order to get to the start of the season in time.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

An agreement in principle is maybe a week or two away at best, after that it should take maybe another 2 weeks to finalize and formalize it (not sure what you mean by the whole legal process starts then), and there wouldn't be a full training camp and pre-season. They aren't going to finalize a deal in early August let's say and then have a full off-season. They'll just abbreviate it in order to get to the start of the season in time.

I would presume once they have an agreement in principle the lockout will be lifted while the lawyers type up the paperwork which everyone presumes will take the second two weeks. At worst case scenario possibly 6 weeks to get everything put to paper and signed. More knowledgable people have said they suspect the lockout to be lifted in about 2 to 4 weeks for practice and training and the regular schedule to kick off as expected minus maybe 2 preseason games.

Thats unless there is a hickup in this whole process and a major step back occurs.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

An agreement in principle is maybe a week or two away at best, after that it should take maybe another 2 weeks to finalize and formalize it (not sure what you mean by the whole legal process starts then), and there wouldn't be a full training camp and pre-season. They aren't going to finalize a deal in early August let's say and then have a full off-season. They'll just abbreviate it in order to get to the start of the season in time.

Agreed, I heard yesterday on NFL radio that it's likely they've already hashed out a soft timeline for when free agency will start and for when training camps will open. At this point it's very unlikely any games will be missed including pre-season.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

An agreement in principle is maybe a week or two away at best, after that it should take maybe another 2 weeks to finalize and formalize it (not sure what you mean by the whole legal process starts then), and there wouldn't be a full training camp and pre-season. They aren't going to finalize a deal in early August let's say and then have a full off-season. They'll just abbreviate it in order to get to the start of the season in time.

It was my understanding that, due to the Nflpa's suit against the NFL, once a CBA is reached, the court must examine it and give all plaintiffs (every single NFL player) ample time to review the CBA and challenge any particular point of the deal they don't like. Essentially, because of the lawsuit, there is a legal process that must play out and it's going to take at least a couple of weeks-and that's assuming no players challenge the deal. If some bonehead player decided to claim his interests were not represented by the Nflpa, things would get messy.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

It was my understanding that, due to the Nflpa's suit against the NFL, once a CBA is reached, the court must examine it and give all plaintiffs (every single NFL player) ample time to review the CBA and challenge any particular point of the deal they don't like. Essentially, because of the lawsuit, there is a legal process that must play out and it's going to take at least a couple of weeks-and that's assuming no players challenge the deal. If some bonehead player decided to claim his interests were not represented by the Nflpa, things would get messy.

Well it depends on how the agreement is reached. Meaning if it's seen as a settlement of the lawsuit the federal court would have to approve the deal, though it's not expected that would take very long
Or it could be a labor agreement and the players would drop their lawsuit.

[SmootSmack]

Out of curiosity, in light of recent updates with the negotiations, has anyone's opinion of DeMaurice Smith changed?

Also, do you think he'll be re-elected?

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Out of curiosity, in light of recent updates with the negotiations, has anyone's opinion of DeMaurice Smith changed?

Also, do you think he'll be re-elected?

that's a good & tough question. He has certainly positioned himself well in the background until yesterday, and that has been good pr for the players IMO. I don't know enough of what's transpired, time will tell obviously, as we'll be able to see how the deal works in reality years from now, but for the time being he's looking pretty good as it appears the players are on board for a new deal.

I'd bet he'd be re-elected.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Out of curiosity, in light of recent updates with the negotiations, has anyone's opinion of DeMaurice Smith changed?

Also, do you think he'll be re-elected?

I think so. Things may have started out a little rough (for both sides), but it takes time to develop trust and a good working relationship.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Out of curiosity, in light of recent updates with the negotiations, has anyone's opinion of DeMaurice Smith changed?

Also, do you think he'll be re-elected?

My opinion hasn't changed at all. He is far too confrontational. I give him no credit for the recent progress. Given the timing of everything, it would seem smith had no choice but to soften his stance. The players wanted a deal and he finally was forced to represent Thier interests and not just his own. That said, if the players like the deal that gets done, hell be re-elected.