NFL players and owners may be calling audibles after Friday's collective bargaining negotiations failed to bear fruit amid the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling earlier in the day to uphold the lockout. The sides released a joint statement earlier in the day after the court ruling came down: "While we respect the court's decision, today's ruling does not change our mutual recognition that this matter must be resolved through negotiation. We are committed to our current discussions and reaching a fair agreement that will benefit all parties for years to come, and allow for a full 2011 season." Despite the sentiment, apparently little headway was made today. "We continue to work hard to try to get something done," said (decertified) NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, adding the sides were breaking for the weekend but would regroup next week. "I know our fans want us to get something done as quickly as possible. The message to them is we're continuing to work hard to try to get something done." A glum-looking Roger Goodell left the session in New York without comment about the legal curveball that may have added a hurdle. "Some of the legal people in the room froze when the 8th Circuit decision came," reported NFL Network correspondent Albert Breer. "It really surprised some people and caught some people in the room off guard. It might send some of these people back to the drawing board a little bit." Source: USA Today
Those reports about the deal almost being done a few weeks back all look a bit silly now don't they? I've always been prepared for games being lost/delayed, but I think it's time for everyone to accept that this ain't going to be done any time soon.
