Clark Judge (CBS Sports) Players must take all time they need to make sure deal's right.
Don't tell me there isn't precedent for what NFL owners did Thursday, because there is. In fact, the last time the two sides couldn't reach an agreement on a new CBA, a similar squeeze play was pulled. And it was then-NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw who pulled it.
That was 2006, when a frustrated and impatient Upshaw presented owners a take-it-or-leave-it offer before flying off to meetings with his executive board in Hawaii. Owners were given two days to ratify the offer after Upshaw and then-NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue agreed there would be no further negotiations, and, after much debate, they signed off on a long-term deal.
Report (ESPN) NFLPA still discussing proposal.
"Guys, To keep you abreast of the latest developments, we are reviewing the latest proposal for a settlement. Because of the passing of Myra Kraft in Boston, the NFLPA will not be making any public statements in honor of the Kraft family. Our recommendation is for everyone to stay put and keep doing what you are doing where you are doing it. We will meet again on Monday to discuss our options and the direction we want to go. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks for your patience. Your Player Reps."
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Football people not reacting well to new CBA rules.
One source who attended today’s labor seminar in Atlanta was blunt. "The only thing the players didn’t get is someone else to play for them," the source said.
LOCAL LINKS
- Christopher Price reports the NFLPA dismisses talk of a Monday vote and denies the email supposedly sent by the NFLPA.
- Shalise Manza Young reports the players plan to meet again on Monday (or not).
- Paul Kenyon thinks the new CBA may force Belichick to make some changes.
- Tom E. Curran reports GMs and coaches met at an airport hotel in Atlanta to discuss what the proposed CBA means.
- Tim Britton reports that for a few hours at least, the football community put aside their differences and gathered to pay its respects to Myra Kraft.
- ESPNBoston reports Myra Kraft was mourned in a touching service today.
- Jeff Howe thinks the Patriots have enough talent to rewrite history and repeat as 14-game winners.
- Jeff Howe sees tough competition at cornerback this season but says Darius Butler should rebound and have an increased role.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Tim Graham (ESPN) AFC East's best: No. 1 Tom Brady.
- Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Post-lockout success for Pack, Pats; 49ers, Titans will struggle.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Looking at how salary cap flexibility will work in 2011.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Steps taken to eliminate Tampering Season.
- Andrew Jones (Fox Sports) NFL will be exciting, dizzying after lockout.
- Gary Myers (NY Daily News) NFL attorney Jeff Pash says league planning random blood tests for HGH, and players are on board.
LABOR LUNACY
- Jeff MacGregor (ESPN) NFL lockout: Theater of desperation.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) De Smith is caught between a rock and a hard place.
- Clifton Brown (Sporting News) Fans a captive audience in this high-stakes the game between NFL owners, players.
- Clark Judge (CBS Sports) With owners approving proposal, heat on players to close deal.
- Andrew Brandt (Nat'l Football Post) We have a (proposed) deal.
- Greg Couch (Sporting News) Owners' NFL lockout Hail Mary was desperate, transparent and successful.
- AJ Perez (Fox Sports) DeMaurice Smith says issues remain before agreement to new CBA.
- Jason Whitlock (Fox Sports) Players should let owners twist in wind.
- Jason La Canfora (NFL.com) Players taking time to vet NFL labor deal approved by owners.
- Report (CBS Sports) NFL on hold as players study deal approved by owners.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Takeo Spikes says there will be a vote "when a fair deal is reached".
- Doug Farrar (Yahoo! Sports) Higher education: Why the new CBA isn't like flicking a switch.
- Staff (Pro Football Weekly) Report: Player reps meeting through weekend.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) NFL lockout: Deal on Wednesday?
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Vote could come sooner than Monday.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Players told to not report until deal reached.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Where have you gone, Arthur Boylan?
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Report: Players want opt out clause included in CBA.
- Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Max of 14 padded practices allowed during season, execs say.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Regular season padded practices reduced.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFL drops third quarterback rule, 46 active players on game day.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Vincent Jackson remains a thorn in side of labor deal.