"Major Progress" In NFL Labor Talks

ESPN's John Clayton and Chris Mortensen report that there has been major progress in NFL labor talks on Saturday.

Mortensen reports the 11-member NFLPA executive committee will meet Monday at NFLPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they could potentially recommend approval of a new collective bargaining agreement. If the executive committee votes to recommend the 10-year CBA and recertifying as a union, all 32 player representatives would be able to vote on recommending the CBA and recertification, as well.

From there, the issue goes to the ten plaintiffs in the Brady v NFL antitrust case, with the final remaining hurdle cleared earlier on Saturday when requests made on behalf of franchised San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson were rescinded.

NFLPA legal and financial teams have been going over the owners' proposal throughout the day on Saturday, while executive committee members have remained in contact via phone. The NFL Management Council Executive Committee also held a conference call on Saturday to discuss outstanding labor issues.

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports the two sides covered the opt-out clause in the CBA (players want one after seven years), worker's compensation, injury protection, and a process for the CBA talks if the players recertify the union.

The players have to re-form as a union for several issues (drug testing, player discipline) to be collectively bargained.

Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network adds that it's possible that the 2011 league year could begin on Wednesday with training camps opening on Friday. It's also possible that depending on when the two sides reach a "global settlement" that U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan signs off on, free agency and training camp could begin on the same day.

source:  Mac's Football Blog
author:  Brian McIntyre