NFL Players Union Decertifies

[Vidav]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... aking_news" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


WASHINGTON -- The NFL Players Association announced Friday that it has renounced its status as the collective bargaining representative of the players after failing to reach a new labor deal with the league.

The NFLPA said it will become a professional trade association that supports the interests and rights of current and former players.

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said at 4:45 p.m. ET -- 15 minutes before the deadline for the union to decertify -- that "significant differences" remained after the league's latest proposal.

Smith said the league must agree by 5 p.m. ET to provide 10 years of audited financial documents for the union to agree to a third extension of the CBA deadline.

The union had until that time to decertify.

The NFL can impose a lockout of players, if it chooses, after 11:59 p.m. ET, when the CBA officially expires.



Union executive director DeMaurice Smith arrives at Friday's mediation session in Washington. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

"The union left a very good deal on the table," the NFL said in a statement. "It included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; ensure no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

"The union was offered financial disclosure of audited league and club profitability information that is not even shared with the NFL clubs.

"The expanded health and safety rules would include a reduction in offseason programs of five weeks (from 14 to nine) and of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) from 14 to 10; significant reductions in the amount of contact in practices; and other changes

[TwinTownBisonFan]

hope the owners get it handed to them. fuckers deserve an unending sea of shit for this.

[SDHornet]

Who fucking cares. Rich people infighting. It's a lose-lose for all of them in the eye of the public. I wouldn't mind a lockout and a complete loss of the 2011 NFL season.

[Willie]

Bright side...college football will see a lot more $$ with no NFL.

[youngterrier]

Being paid $1 million a year to play football is sooo unfair. I can understand the concept of a rookie salary cap, and am willing to bet both sides agree to it too. The other stuff I haven't followed but don't care too much about, it's a bunch of rich people whining

[Thundering Herd]

It's embarassing that they weren't even close to a deal. Saturdays will be even bigger now, but now i don't know what to do on sundays...

[Skjellyfetti]

They'll still play. Season might not start till late September or October... but, there will be a season. Too much money to miss out on.

[TheDancinMonarch]

As with most sports union issues, it is rich owners and rich players deciding how much richer you, the sports fans, will make them both.