Not so secret talks between the NFL and the players over the last two weeks seem to be working. Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal reports that “optimism is so high in the NFL, players talks over a labor deal that the expectation is for a framework agreement in about two weeks.” This fares well for the 2011 season as predictions indicate that a deal done by the middle of July will prevent the loss of preseason games.
Even in the face of denials from both sides yesterday, after a small Massachusetts paper reported that the lockout was over, Albert Breer of the NFL network said that both sides have continued discussions on the phone since face-to-face talks ceased.
“There’s a report that the lockout is over,” NFL PLayers Association spokesman George Atallah wrote on his Twitter account. “Umm. .. no.”
“It’s not over till it’s over,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote on his Twitter account.
The report from Bill Burt, Lawrence-Eagle Tribune sports editor, stated that “A deal to end the National Football League’s lockout is almost complete, according to an NFL source. According to the source, owners and players were close to an agreement today to end the lockout, Some coaches and players have been contacted about returning to work probably early next week and possibly as soon as this weekend.”
If the buzz is correct we can all hold a candle for a season with minimal impact.
