Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune reports NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement are not expected to begin in the near future, but he says that players want NFL team owners to open their books as a starting point for negotiations. Smith added, "I'm a data guy and I've never been a part of any transaction, case, discussion, fight, where everybody didn't know and understand and appreciate exactly what you are fighting, negotiating, talking about. If the deal was not good for you, show us why. Players are interested in what's the profit margin for teams." Smith expressed optimism a new deal would be reached before next March. Source: KFFL.com
