ATLANTA -- The NFL's owners ratified a new labor agreement Thursday which would be a major step toward ending the four-month lockout.
"The clubs approved an agreement that was negotiated with the players," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. It includes a "supplemental revenue-sharing system" which will be in effect for 10 years through the 2020 season. There are no early opt-out clauses as there was in the previous CBA (it was triggered by the owners, an initial step ultimately toward the 2011 lockout).
"I firmly believe this is a fair deal," said Giants owner John Mara.
Pending approval of the players, team facilities will re-open Saturday and the new league year will begin next Wednesday when free agency could begin according to NFL general counsel Jeff Pash.
The players conducted their own conference call in Washington tonight, however there was no vote from the (decertified) NFLPA.
Ominous signs were already emerging.
"Here is what the "Real" fans need 2 know: The owners tried 2 slip many things n2 the CBA "they" voted on that were NEVER agreed 2!" tweeted Saints FB Heath Evans.
Still, ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeted Thursday night that the NFLPA members will likely cast their votes on ratification Friday.
"We believe and expect" to have an agreement said Pash when asked if there were contingency plans in the event the players opt not to ratify.
Teams could conceivably re-sign their own free agents and draft picks Saturday, assuming NFLPA approval of the CBA. The 2011 salary cap will be $120.4 million, and teams must utilize 99% of it this year.
The rookie "entry level system" will not be a slotted scale similar to the NBA's Pash said, allowing for some negotiating room for first-year players. He equated it to a "little version of the salary cap."
Goodell did announce the cancellation of the Aug. 7 Hall of Fame Game between the Rams and Bears citing a desire to give all 32 teams a four-game preseason schedule this summer. The Hall of Fame ceremonies will go on as scheduled that weekend.
Pash said terms of the league's drug-testing policies have yet to be finalized.
The league anticipates outstanding litigation with the players will be dismissed.
"Hopefully we can all work quickly," Goodell said as the proverbial pigskin passes to the players. "It is time to give back to football."
The commissioner said he was exhausted rather than relieved after this week's marathon negotiation sessions.
The owners approved it 31-0. The Raiders abstained from offering their approval, telling USA TODAY they have "profound philosophical differences" with the NFL in regard to proposed settlement.
See photos of: NFL, Roger Goodell
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/MMeDkWKMbM0/1
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