NFL “secret†labor negotiations this week are expected to continue to make such progress that at least one source familiar with the situation says the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement could be in place by the weekend. If so, the two negotiating groups representing the owners and the NFL trade association, meeting in the Baltimore area, Yahoo! Sports has learned, would return to their full parties to present what could be the deal that would end the three-month lockout before nearly anything football related is even lost. “A June 30 or July 4 announcement is a reasonable expectation,†the source said. “My sense is that by week’s end they are likely to have some substantial framework if not a complete plan to go back and present to the owners and the players.†NFL owners are already set to meet next Tuesday in Chicago. The league sent a memo to owners Monday suggesting they pack for an overnight stay, according to ESPN and the NFL Network. A CBSSports.com report Tuesday that the deal was “80-85 percent done†was met with agreement by our source. “I think that’s accurate,†he said. Source: Yahoo! Sports
Talk radio was saying that it was when the lawyers got involved. It seems to me that the NFLPA and the NFL are doing just fine on their own.. I really hope this isn't a smoke screen to make sure season ticket holders pay up..