The Facts:
With the folks who currently are running the NFLPA showing no inclination to continue negotiations and with the NFL very anxious to continue negotiations, Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken his case directly to the rank and file. Goodell has sent a letter to every player (and the league office has sent a copy to every agent) explaining the terms of the league’s most recent proposal. “We want you to understand the offer that we made to the NFLPA,” Goodell wrote. “The proposal was made to avoid a work stoppage. Each passing day puts our game and our shared economics further at risk. We believe the offer presented a strong and fair basis for continuing negotiations, allowing the new league year and free agency to begin, and growing our game in the years to come.”
Reported by Profootballtalk.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
According to PFT's Mike Florio, Goodell then summarizes the key elements of the proposal: Maximum salary and benefits per team of $141 million per club in 2011 with maximum salary and benefits per team of $161 million in 2014; free agency for players with four or more accrued season; reduced draft-choice compensation for restricted free agents; extensive changes in off-season workouts; reduction of pre-season and regular-season padded practices; increased days off; retention of the 16-game season through 2012 with no change to 18 games without the players’ agreement; expanded injury guarantees, with up to $1 million in the year after an injury occurs; continuing medical coverage for life; immediate increases in pension for pre-1993 players; a new rookie wage scale that would make $300 million per draft class available for veteran pay and player benefits; and external arbitration of all drug and steroids appeals. Goodell summed up: “I hope you will encourage your Union to return to the bargaining table and conclude a new collective bargaining agreement. ...” It'll be interesting to see how players react -- and if they pressure NFLPA leadership to resume talks prior to the April 6 hearing on the legality of the lockout.
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