I'm told the union finds the NFL's proposal unsatisfactory because it lacks specific language ensuring this is not a delay tactic. ...
Albert Breer
AlbertBreer
The negotiations continue and more cards are being thrown on the table. A little over an hour ago, reports came out that indicated talks of "Stopping the Clock" were ongoing. Here we are an hour later an that idea has been all but squashed. The NFLPA is afraid that the NFL is only trying to push an extension as a delay tactic.
What does this mean? Well, to me, it makes it seem that the NFLPA was trying to use their threats of decertification as a way of trying to rush negotiations and finish today. The NFL has raised the stakes and pushed for an extension making it appear, now, that the Players Association is being stubborn by not wishing to follow through with the extension.
Both sides are trying to gain as much leverage as they can, but it doesn't appear that the meetings this morning had anything to do with finishing a CBA today. Despite the fact that the meetings have been going on for well over 4 hours, there have been no breakthroughs. This has led President Obama, of all people, to weigh in on the negotiations.
“You’ve got owners, most of whom are worth close to $1 billion. You’ve got players who are making millions are dollars. My working assumption at a time when people are having to cut back, compromise and worry about making the mortgage and paying for their kids’ college education is that the two parties should be able to work it out without the President of the United States intervening,”
- President Obama
As a fan, I completely agree. Both sides are using leverage and tactics, but it doesn't seem, at this point that either side is willing to actually negotiate.