DeMaurice Smith stated that there were still “unresolved” issues in the new agreement, which was backed by 31 out of 32 NFL owners on Thursday, with the Oakland Raiders abstaining. In announcing that team facilities could open as early as Saturday, the League threw down the gauntlet to the union, with the start of pre-season scheduled for the second week in August. However, the NFL confirmed that the annual curtain-raiser, the Hall of Fame game, would not go ahead as scheduled on August 7.
The union still has to ratify the proposal from the NFL and, according to Yahoo Sports, Smith stated in an email to players: “As you know the owners have ratified their proposal to settle our differences. It is my understanding that they are forwarding it to us. As you may have heard, they apparently approved a supplemental revenue sharing proposal. Obviously, we have not been a part of those discussions.”
Smith added: “As you know from yesterday (Wednesday), issues that need to be collectively bargained remain open, other issues such as workers compensation, economic issues and end of deal terms remain unresolved. There is no agreement between the NFL and the players at this time.” Union stakeholders were scheduled to hold a conference call meeting last night, but it could be days before an official vote takes place.
Just hours earlier on Thursday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had stated: “We are pleased to announce that our clubs have approved the terms of a long-term negotiated agreement with the NFL players. It includes many positive changes that emerged from a spirit of compromise rooted in doing what is best for the game and players. DeMaurice Smith and his team, and the players and owners involved in the negotiations, deserve great credit for their skill and professionalism.”
Goodell added: “If approved by the players, this agreement will allow the league and its players to continue to benefit from the NFL’s popularity and will afford a unique opportunity to deliver to fans an even better, safer, and more competitive game in the future. On behalf of the NFL, our teams and players, I want to express our deep appreciation to Chief Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan. Judge Boylan was the court-appointed mediator, but his contributions far exceeded that role.”
