Chiefs Sources: Sides begin 4 days of talks NFL and NFLPA

ShowtimeSBMVP · 05:17 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6711660

CaliforniaChief · 06-28-2011, 11:19 AM

Let us fast and pray.

Bill Lundberg · 06-28-2011, 11:25 AM

According to Profootballtalk.com it's only Goodell and Smith. The players and owners will not be involved.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...-in-minnesota/

Quote:

Owners and players won’t be in Minnesota

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on June 28, 2011, 11:58 AM EDT

Getty Images
Well, we have a twist to the news that the NFL and NFLPA* will be meeting for four days in Minnesota this week.

No owners or players are expected at this round of talks, according to Albert Breer of NFL Network. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFLPA* chief DeMaurice Smith, and their respective staffs will be there. So will attorneys for both sides. Breer describes it as “part of the process.”

The obvious question: Why wouldn’t the usual suspects be there?

I’m not the legal expert around here and can only speculate. But the location of the talks and those present could possibly indicate the two sides are working on settling the antitrust case between the league and the players.

It has been almost a month since the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case, and it’s possible the two sides are trying to get a settlement out of the way.

It’s open for debate what this tells us about progress towards a new CBA. Perhaps the two sides are showing trust in their leadership and a lot can get done this week with fewer voices in the room.

At some point, presumably, everyone will need to get back in the room together.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 06-28-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Lundberg

According to Profootballtalk.com it's only Goodell and Smith. The players and owners will not be involved.

Thats a good thing..

**Dave Lane** · 06-28-2011, 11:26 AM

Representatives of the negotiating teams of the NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to four consecutive days of talks in the Minneapolis area beginning Tuesday and running through Friday, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

This is the fifth consecutive week of talks between the sides, and it's also the longest commitment to talks (four days) in those five weeks.

The talks will continue under the supervision of U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, who has been assigned to run court-ordered mediation. Boylan lives in the Minneapolis area.

NFL.com first reported that the talks would take place this week in Minnesota but did not specify on what days the negotiations would take place.

After last week's labor talks outside Boston, players were told the next set of negotiations would involve commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, several owners and players.

The meetings this week will be the fifth round of confidential talks between the parties. Representatives from the NFL and the NFLPA have previously met outside Chicago, in Long Island, N.Y., in Maryland and last week in Hull, Mass.

NFL Labor Negotiations and Lockout

The NFL lockout began on March 11, with no obvious end in sight. ESPN.com Topics keeps you up to date on all of the latest on the labor situation. More »

The Associated Press reported Monday that a small group of players met with NFLPA attorneys in Minneapolis without the owners present. It is unknown what they discussed.

The players have an antitrust suit against the league that was filed in Minneapolis, and the city also is where the sides met for court-ordered mediation in May.

The lockout began on March 12, and players -- except for when the work stoppage was briefly lifted in April -- have not been allowed to train at team facilities or be in contact with any of their coaches. Players on several teams have gathered on their own, trying to keep in football shape so they'll be prepared to get back to business on the field whenever the labor impasse is over.

"It's not about getting a deal done as quickly as possible, it's about getting a fair deal done," said Houston linebacker DeMeco Ryans, one of the team's representatives who worked out Monday with other Texans players. "Whenever that time comes, when a fair deal is on the table, that's when it will get done. We're not in a big panic to get something done, just for the sake of getting it done."

The key issue in the dispute centers on how to divide revenues after the league took in about $9.3 billion last year. Sources familiar with the owners' proposal told Mortensen last week that the players' share would approach the 50 percent mark the NFLPA has said it has received throughout the last decade. But the expense credits -- about $1 billion last year -- that the league takes off the top would disappear.

Also, there no longer would be "designated revenues" from which the players would share. Instead, the players would share from the entire pool of income, which both sides project will grow significantly over the course of a new collective bargaining agreement.

A salary floor requiring teams to spend close to 100 percent of the cap in cash also would be included, sources told ESPN.com's John Clayton.

Training camps are scheduled to open in about a month, and the first preseason game -- Chicago vs. St. Louis -- is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions in Canton, Ohio.

"Hopefully, everything gets worked out quickly so we can get to training camp on time and get guys back to work and have a full season," Giants quarterback Eli Manning said in a telephone interview with the AP. "That's what the fans want. Obviously, they are the ones that make this possible, so hopefully we can get it done for them."

Information from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Brock · 06-28-2011, 12:07 PM

Brees, Manning hope to avoid franchise tag in new CBA
Posted by Mike Florio on June 27, 2011, 5:51 PM EDT

Previously, we’ve speculated that the named plaintiffs in the Tom Brady class action could seek the same benefit that the named plaintiffs in the Reggie White class action received — a career exemption from the franchise tag. The fact that the named plaintiffs in the Brady case include Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who is subject to the franchise tag now, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose contract expires after the 2011 season, makes the possibility a much more intriguing one.

And now let’s make it even more intriguing.

Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, but who have requested anonymity . . . yada, yada, yada . . . sensitivity of the situation . . . yada, yada, yada . . . confidentiality of the settlement talks, the agency that represents Manning and Brees is pushing for both players to be exempt from the application of the franchise tag. If CAA is successful, Manning would be in position to squeeze the Colts for a monstrous contract — even more monstrous than the one he’ll get even if the franchise tag is applied.

This also would benefit Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson, to whom the Chargers applied the franchise tag before the lockout started, and Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who also received the franchise tag before the lockout. Over the long haul, the biggest winner could be Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller, who would sign his first contract knowing that, when it expires, it truly will expire.

Skyy God · 06-28-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Brees, Manning hope to avoid franchise tag in new CBA
Posted by Mike Florio on June 27, 2011, 5:51 PM EDT

Previously, we’ve speculated that the named plaintiffs in the Tom Brady class action could seek the same benefit that the named plaintiffs in the Reggie White class action received — a career exemption from the franchise tag. The fact that the named plaintiffs in the Brady case include Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who is subject to the franchise tag now, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose contract expires after the 2011 season, makes the possibility a much more intriguing one.

And now let’s make it even more intriguing.

Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, but who have requested anonymity . . . yada, yada, yada . . . sensitivity of the situation . . . yada, yada, yada . . . confidentiality of the settlement talks, the agency that represents Manning and Brees is pushing for both players to be exempt from the application of the franchise tag. If CAA is successful, Manning would be in position to squeeze the Colts for a monstrous contract — even more monstrous than the one he’ll get even if the franchise tag is applied.

This also would benefit Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson, to whom the Chargers applied the franchise tag before the lockout started, and Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who also received the franchise tag before the lockout. Over the long haul, the biggest winner could be Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller, who would sign his first contract knowing that, when it expires, it truly will expire.

Paging Tamba Hali's agent, please pick up the white courtesy phone.

Skyy God · 06-28-2011, 12:16 PM

No franchise tag strikes me as a throw-away negotiating position, however.

Garcia Bronco · 06-28-2011, 12:21 PM

The NFLPA...you mean the organization representing all the players that isn't a union?

**Dave Lane** · 06-28-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

The NFLPA...you mean the organization representing all the players that isn't a union?

Kinda like the players that aren't players or employees any more.

MIAdragon · 06-28-2011, 12:39 PM

They can all run into an aids tree, slurp some AF and die in a fire, just sayin.

**Bowser** · 06-28-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Brees, Manning hope to avoid franchise tag in new CBA
Posted by Mike Florio on June 27, 2011, 5:51 PM EDT

Previously, we’ve speculated that the named plaintiffs in the Tom Brady class action could seek the same benefit that the named plaintiffs in the Reggie White class action received — a career exemption from the franchise tag. The fact that the named plaintiffs in the Brady case include Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who is subject to the franchise tag now, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose contract expires after the 2011 season, makes the possibility a much more intriguing one.

And now let’s make it even more intriguing.

Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, but who have requested anonymity . . . yada, yada, yada . . . sensitivity of the situation . . . yada, yada, yada . . . confidentiality of the settlement talks, the agency that represents Manning and Brees is pushing for both players to be exempt from the application of the franchise tag. If CAA is successful, Manning would be in position to squeeze the Colts for a monstrous contract — even more monstrous than the one he’ll get even if the franchise tag is applied.

This also would benefit Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson, to whom the Chargers applied the franchise tag before the lockout started, and Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who also received the franchise tag before the lockout. Over the long haul, the biggest winner could be Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller, who would sign his first contract knowing that, when it expires, it truly will expire.

It would be weird seeing Manning in a Bengals uniform.

philfree · 06-28-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

It would be weird seeing Manning in a Bengals uniform.

Redskins

**Bowser** · 06-28-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

Redskins

Yeah, more likely.

talastan · 06-28-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

Redskins

Or Cowgirls....

06-28-2011, 11:19 AM
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3596009	Sides begin 4 days of talks NFL and NFLPA Goodell accepts Smith's to talk to rookies http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6711660 Last edited by ShowtimeSBMVP; 06-28-2011 at 05:17 PM..
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06-28-2011, 11:19 AM	#2
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12392899	Let us fast and pray.
Posts: 17,319

06-28-2011, 11:26 AM	#5
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	Representatives of the negotiating teams of the NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to four consecutive days of talks in the Minneapolis area beginning Tuesday and running through Friday, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. This is the fifth consecutive week of talks between the sides, and it's also the longest commitment to talks (four days) in those five weeks. The talks will continue under the supervision of U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, who has been assigned to run court-ordered mediation. Boylan lives in the Minneapolis area. NFL.com first reported that the talks would take place this week in Minnesota but did not specify on what days the negotiations would take place. After last week's labor talks outside Boston, players were told the next set of negotiations would involve commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, several owners and players. The meetings this week will be the fifth round of confidential talks between the parties. Representatives from the NFL and the NFLPA have previously met outside Chicago, in Long Island, N.Y., in Maryland and last week in Hull, Mass. NFL Labor Negotiations and Lockout The NFL lockout began on March 11, with no obvious end in sight. ESPN.com Topics keeps you up to date on all of the latest on the labor situation. More » The Associated Press reported Monday that a small group of players met with NFLPA attorneys in Minneapolis without the owners present. It is unknown what they discussed. The players have an antitrust suit against the league that was filed in Minneapolis, and the city also is where the sides met for court-ordered mediation in May. The lockout began on March 12, and players -- except for when the work stoppage was briefly lifted in April -- have not been allowed to train at team facilities or be in contact with any of their coaches. Players on several teams have gathered on their own, trying to keep in football shape so they'll be prepared to get back to business on the field whenever the labor impasse is over. "It's not about getting a deal done as quickly as possible, it's about getting a fair deal done," said Houston linebacker DeMeco Ryans, one of the team's representatives who worked out Monday with other Texans players. "Whenever that time comes, when a fair deal is on the table, that's when it will get done. We're not in a big panic to get something done, just for the sake of getting it done." The key issue in the dispute centers on how to divide revenues after the league took in about $9.3 billion last year. Sources familiar with the owners' proposal told Mortensen last week that the players' share would approach the 50 percent mark the NFLPA has said it has received throughout the last decade. But the expense credits -- about $1 billion last year -- that the league takes off the top would disappear. Also, there no longer would be "designated revenues" from which the players would share. Instead, the players would share from the entire pool of income, which both sides project will grow significantly over the course of a new collective bargaining agreement. A salary floor requiring teams to spend close to 100 percent of the cap in cash also would be included, sources told ESPN.com's John Clayton. Training camps are scheduled to open in about a month, and the first preseason game -- Chicago vs. St. Louis -- is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions in Canton, Ohio. "Hopefully, everything gets worked out quickly so we can get to training camp on time and get guys back to work and have a full season," Giants quarterback Eli Manning said in a telephone interview with the AP. "That's what the fans want. Obviously, they are the ones that make this possible, so hopefully we can get it done for them." Information from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report. __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
Posts: 40,584

06-28-2011, 12:07 PM	#6
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	Brees, Manning hope to avoid franchise tag in new CBA Posted by Mike Florio on June 27, 2011, 5:51 PM EDT Previously, we’ve speculated that the named plaintiffs in the Tom Brady class action could seek the same benefit that the named plaintiffs in the Reggie White class action received — a career exemption from the franchise tag. The fact that the named plaintiffs in the Brady case include Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who is subject to the franchise tag now, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose contract expires after the 2011 season, makes the possibility a much more intriguing one. And now let’s make it even more intriguing. Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, but who have requested anonymity . . . yada, yada, yada . . . sensitivity of the situation . . . yada, yada, yada . . . confidentiality of the settlement talks, the agency that represents Manning and Brees is pushing for both players to be exempt from the application of the franchise tag. If CAA is successful, Manning would be in position to squeeze the Colts for a monstrous contract — even more monstrous than the one he’ll get even if the franchise tag is applied. This also would benefit Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson, to whom the Chargers applied the franchise tag before the lockout started, and Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who also received the franchise tag before the lockout. Over the long haul, the biggest winner could be Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller, who would sign his first contract knowing that, when it expires, it truly will expire.
Posts: 47,314

06-28-2011, 12:16 PM	#8
Skyy God 11-5, baby Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livin the dream Casino cash: $2191557	No franchise tag strikes me as a throw-away negotiating position, however.
Posts: 22,416

06-28-2011, 12:21 PM	#9
Garcia Bronco No Keys, No Problem Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Denver Casino cash: $5213136	The NFLPA...you mean the organization representing all the players that isn't a union?
Posts: 30,906

06-28-2011, 12:39 PM	#11
MIAdragon Someone pass the antifreeze Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Miami (North Cuba) Casino cash: $1517819	They can all run into an aids tree, slurp some AF and die in a fire, just sayin.
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