NFL: More double secret meetings today

[Mr. Laz]

adbrandt (http://twitter.com/#%21/adbrandt) Andrew Brandt



RT @mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport): Filed to ESPN: NFL owners and players' negotiating teams are meeting today in Wash DC area. Both sides in deal-making mode.

[Mr. Laz]

Report: Deal could come within two or three weeks

Posted by Mike Florio on June 14, 2011, 11:57 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/goodell_smith.jpg?w=250

APOver the weekend, Daniel Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal reported via Twitter the existence of an expectation that a framework for a labor deal could come in two weeks (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/11/framework-for-agreement-could-come-in-two-weeks/).

Now, Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports that sources on both sides of the dispute said Tuesday that a deal could be struck in the next two to three weeks (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/progress-in-nfl-talks-puts-deal-within-reach/2011/06/14/AGHFRaUH_story.html).
From a marketing and P.R. standpoint, we think there’s tremendous value in trying to announce a new deal on the Wednesday or Thursday before the three-day Fourth of July weekend. That would require the agreement to be reached in 15 or 16 days.
Several of you have asked for a full explanation of the steps from the two sides reaching an agreement in principle to establishing a full-blown Collective Bargaining Agreement. We’ll provide a flow chart later today

[Brock]

That's good.

[beach tribe]

Honestly, Never once doubted that there would be a full season.

[DMAC]

There will be much jubilation.

[CaliforniaChief]

Nice to read optimism coming from the situation. Now let's git-r-dun and get this thing going again.

[gblowfish]

Looks like they've agreed on the secret handshake, anyway....

[milkman]

Double secret meetings?

Who's in charge?

Don Adams and Don Knotts?

[ChiefsCountry]

Honestly, Never once doubted that there would be a full season.

Me neither. Too much money on the table for both sides, not to mention external factors as well ie television and gambling.

[ModSocks]

Double secret meetings?

Who's in charge?

Don Adams and Don Knotts?

The owners and player reps are doing "two-a-days".

[ChiefsCountry]

Also this lockout has kept the NFL in the news all off season long during baseball and NBA playoffs, another PR win for the NFL.

[milkman]

Also this lockout has kept the NFL in the news all off season long during baseball and NBA playoffs, another PR win for the NFL.

NFL, for years, has kept themselves in the news all offseason.

Because of this lockout, this has been the slowest offseason for news since before the days of free agency.

[ModSocks]

Also this lockout has kept the NFL in the news all off season long during baseball and NBA playoffs, another PR win for the NFL.

yeah.

The same way Lebron's "Gonna go enjoy my life" comments after the Finals were a good PR move.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

AlbertBreerAlbert Breer

Can confirm that legal folks have re-entered the room ... But not in the way they were before.

[Brock]

AlbertBreerAlbert Breer

Can confirm that legal folks have re-entered the room ... But not in the way they were before.

This time they're naked?

[milkman]

This time they're naked?

No, just bound and gagged.

[DaFace]

Also this lockout has kept the NFL in the news all off season long during baseball and NBA playoffs, another PR win for the NFL.

I disagree. To me, it seems like it's been quite a bit quieter this year than it usually is. Usually we at least have some OTA reports and draft signing stuff to talk about. This year, all we have to talk about is the labor dispute, which is mildly interesting, but hasn't gotten near the attention that the cool stuff does.

If nothing else, CP traffic is way down this offseason. While that may or may not be indicative of a broader trend, it's certainly a clue that the NFL is slightly less top-of-mind for people this offseason.

[Stinger]

Double secret meetings?

Who's in charge?

Don Adams and Don Knotts?

Dean Wormer

http://mturro.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dean_wormer.jpg


Both sides are on on DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION!

[whoman69]

They had to have a double secret meeting or the judge was going to put them on double secret probation.

[whoman69]

Dean Wormer

http://mturro.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dean_wormer.jpg


Both sides are on on DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION!


Beat me to it.

[Dave Lane]

I keep wondering. How many times does a "secret" meeting have to be posted before its just a meeting?

[Titty Meat]

Hows it a secret if Morts tweeting about it?

[Titty Meat]

I disagree. To me, it seems like it's been quite a bit quieter this year than it usually is. Usually we at least have some OTA reports and draft signing stuff to talk about. This year, all we have to talk about is the labor dispute, which is mildly interesting, but hasn't gotten near the attention that the cool stuff does.

If nothing else, CP traffic is way down this offseason. While that may or may not be indicative of a broader trend, it's certainly a clue that the NFL is slightly less top-of-mind for people this offseason.

Dane & Mecca > Lockout

[Mr. Laz]

NYPost_Hubbuch (http://twitter.com/#%21/NYPost_Hubbuch) Bart Hubbuch by ArrowheadPride

I'm told the lawyers are in the room in the #NFL (http://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23NFL) labor talks to go over line-by-line the numerous specifics of a deal. Extremely good sign.

[Mr. Laz]

Hows it a secret if Morts tweeting about it?
um, that's the joke.

a secret that's not really a secret ...

[Mr. Laz]

If they are having lawyers come in to go over specifics then that means they must of actually agreed on something ... maybe not everything, but something.

:clap:

[Garcia Bronco]

Double secret meetings?

Who's in charge?

Don Adams and Don Knotts?

No moron...it's Maxwell Smart and Barney Fife.





:)

[loochy]

Hows it a secret if Morts tweeting about it?

This.

[Titty Meat]

NYPost_Hubbuch (http://twitter.com/#%21/NYPost_Hubbuch) Bart Hubbuch by ArrowheadPride

I'm told the lawyers are in the room in the #NFL (http://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23NFL) labor talks to go over line-by-line the numerous specifics of a deal. Extremely good sign.

Time for the asshole lawyers to fuck it up.

[KC_Lee]

No moron...it's Maxwell Smart and Barney Fife.

Activate the cone of silence!!

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

BryanDFischerBryan Fischer

by KenWeinman1057



RT @CBSSports: Source: NFL labor negotiations 80-85 percent complete - http://bit.ly/Freeman0614 (via @RealFreemanCBS)

[BigMeatballDave]

GET A DEAL DONE YOU FUCKING ASSBAGS!

[cabletech94]

BryanDFischerBryan Fischer

by KenWeinman1057



RT @CBSSports: Source: NFL labor negotiations 80-85 percent complete - http://bit.ly/Freeman0614 (via @RealFreemanCBS)

does this warant boner time?:thumb:

[rocknrolla]

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzz!!!!!!!
Today already. Sign the shit and get it DONE!

[CoMoChief]

I can't wait til the triple secret meetings happen. Gonna be some crazy shit.

[Titty Meat]

It's goin down.... BASEMENT

[seaofred]

Meetings going into the evening.... Gonna be done soon, I think.

[Titty Meat]

AlbertBreer
... Again, concessions coming from the parties on all fronts. That's big, signifying the kind of movement it's going to take to get it done.
4 minutes ago via web

[ModSocks]

MOTHERFUCK YOU SCOTT PIOLI!!!!!1111

[Rams Fan]

Fapping can begin now.

FWIW, I spoke to Jim Haslett today. He said expects the lockout to be done within a few weeks.

[Titty Meat]

Fapping can begin now.

FWIW, I spoke to Jim Haslett today. He said expects the lockout to be done within a few weeks.

On AIM?

[Rams Fan]

On AIM?

In person. He still lives in the St. Louis area. His son just graduate from a HS here.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

MikeSilverMichael Silver

by KenWeinman1057



Good news, #NFL fans: Looks like there'll be a full training camp. Bad news, players (at least those of you who are signed): Looks like...

[chiefqueen]

NFL, for years, has kept themselves in the news all offseason.

Because of this lockout, this has been the slowest offseason for news since before the days of free agency.

But if a deal gets done in late June/early July the middle of July which is usually the slowest time of year from a sports sense will be anything but slow this year.

[Mr. Laz]

But if a deal gets done in late June/early July the middle of July which is usually the slowest time of year from a sports sense will be anything but slow this year.
If a deal gets done by next month then they won't of missed much of anything. A few summer camps and a bit of free agency, which can all be easily made up.

All the bitching and moaning will of been for nothing.

[milkman]

If a deal gets done by next month then they won't of missed much of anything. A few summer camps and a bit of free agency, which can all be easily made up.

All the bitching and moaning will of been for nothing.

Nothing?

For nothing?

We got to bitch slap each other verbally a few times around here.

That's not nothing.

:harumph:

[Brock]

MikeSilverMichael Silver

by KenWeinman1057



Good news, #NFL fans: Looks like there'll be a full training camp. Bad news, players (at least those of you who are signed): Looks like...

Glad to hear it. Certainly not what I was prepared for.

[milkman]

But if a deal gets done in late June/early July the middle of July which is usually the slowest time of year from a sports sense will be anything but slow this year.

Mid to late July is usually the time when most first round picks usually sign deals and camps open.

The NFL has been year round for over 20 years.

[Rams Fan]

If a deal gets done by next month then they won't of missed much of anything. A few summer camps and a bit of free agency, which can all be easily made up.

All the bitching and moaning will of been for nothing.

Minicamps help out rookies a lot. As well as teams that have new coordinators and HCs. That's not going to be easy to make up.

[Mr. Laz]

Minicamps help out rookies a lot. As well as teams that have new coordinators and HCs. That's not going to be easy to make up.
I imagine they will have the rookies start TC a week or so before the full training camp starts. They may not get it all made up but considering the Armageddon mood that was going on it's negligible.

[milkman]

I imagine they will have the rookies start TC a week or so before the full training camp starts. They may not get it all made up but considering the Armageddon mood that was going on it's negligible.

I think that's a very good idea, and almost makes too much sense for these idiots running things.

[Mr. Laz]

I think that's a very good idea, and almost makes too much sense for these idiots running things.
2 weeks for free agency/UDFA's and rookie camps etc then Training camp starts.

[Titty Meat]

I actually like this setup better. I wish free agency always started after the draft.

[Rams Fan]

2 weeks for free agency/UDFA's and rookie camps etc then Training camp starts.

I like that idea. But if say the lockout doesn't end until the middle of July, I think all training camps should be move up a week. For example, if all training camps(except for the two teams that play in the HF game) don't open until July 30th/31st, they should be moved up to the 24th.

[bowener]

AlbertBreer
... Again, concessions coming from the parties on all fronts. That's big, signifying the kind of movement it's going to take to get it done.
4 minutes ago via web

Fuck, the judges must have really scared the shit out of both sides. I wonder what they could have/will do if the lockout doesn't end?

[milkman]

The other thing I would do because of this mess is allow teams about 5 or 6 additional practice squad spots with at least 3 of them protected for a portion of the season for late round draft picks and UDFA signings.

[Brock]

Fuck, the judges must have really scared the shit out of both sides. I wonder what they could have/will do if the lockout doesn't end?

It's just like a divorce. If you can't come to an agreement, the judge will do it for you and neither side will be happy.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

DanWetzelDan Wetzel

by KenWeinman1057



Source w knowledge of NFL negotiations: by Friday could be "substantial framework if not a complete plan" to bring back to owners/players

[-King-]

I imagine they will have the rookies start TC a week or so before the full training camp starts. They may not get it all made up but considering the Armageddon mood that was going on it's negligible.

I think that's a very good idea, and almost makes too much sense for these idiots running things.

It is a good idea, but likely can't happen because the rookies would have to be signed by then. I cant imagine that most rookies will be signed more than a week before camp. Most 1st and 2nd rounders go right up until camp starts before they sign.

[Mr. Laz]

It is a good idea, but likely can't happen because the rookies would have to be signed by then. I cant imagine that most rookies will be signed more than a week before camp. Most 1st and 2nd rounders go right up until camp starts before they sign.
the rookies have an unsigned camp every year ... it's just later.

[milkman]

the rookies have an unsigned camp every year ... it's just later.

Exactly.

[BossChief]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-wetzel_new_nfl_cba_framework_could_be_ready_by_weekend_061411 F YEA

[Extra Point]

Activate the cone of silence!!

DONE!

[Mr. Laz]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-wetzel_new_nfl_cba_framework_could_be_ready_by_weekend_061411 F YEA http://l.yimg.com/a/p/sp/tools/med/2011/03/ipt/1299205994.jpg Source: CBA framework may be ready by weekend

http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/ed/experts/wetzel.png?a=1 By Dan Wetzel (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/expertsarchive?author=Dan+Wetzel), Yahoo! Sports 21 minutes ago

http://l.yimg.com/a/p/sp/tools/med/2011/06/ipt/1308104498.jpg?&sig=tJYDtMNYneKIw2Pg8ZIwJw--
Roger Goodell (far left) and NFL owners are scheduled
to meet in Chicago next week.(AP Photo)

NFL “secret” labor negotiations this week are expected to continue to make such progress that at least one source familiar with the situation says the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement could be in place by the weekend.

If so, the two negotiating groups representing the owners and the NFL trade association, meeting in the Baltimore area, Yahoo! Sports has learned, would return to their full parties to present what could be the deal that would end the three-month lockout before nearly anything football related is even lost.

“A June 30 or July 4 announcement is a reasonable expectation,” the source said. “My sense is that by week’s end they are likely to have some substantial framework if not a complete plan to go back and present to the owners and the players.”

NFL owners are already set to meet next Tuesday in Chicago. The league sent a memo to owners Monday suggesting they pack for an overnight stay, according to ESPN and the NFL Network. That led to speculation that the league believes it will have something formative to discuss.

The two sides could then return to the bargaining table to hash out any final differences by month’s end. Or at least that’s the hope.

The source said that negotiations this month have been marked by both comity and urgency. This came after both sides heeded the advice of Kermit Bye, the presiding judge of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals who strongly encouraged the two sides on June 3 to reach an agreement outside of the court system, where the battle had mostly been waged since the lockout began March 12.

“That’s when the sides got real with each other,” the source said. “When the deadline loomed large they started to work on the real issues.”

There are numerous issues that remain, including a final division of the money, agreements on future television contracts (considering the rapid rise in live sports programming fees, the 2014 deals should produce
unprecedented sums) and issues with benefits for retired players, who in the legal circuit are a third, independent party.

This is by no means done. However, a CBSSports.com report Tuesday that the deal was “80-85 percent done” (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Report-Owners-players-have-about-80-percent-of?urn=nfl-wp2627) was met with agreement by our source. “I think that’s accurate,” he said.

The positivity is as welcome as it is unexpected. The two sides seemed hopelessly dug in for the long haul as recently as the start of this month, waiting for legal maneuvering to dictate negotiating strength.

Now if you’re a football fan who cares little about who “wins” this labor battle, there is significant hope that you won’t miss a single significant part of the season.

NFL teams generally start training camp in late July (with the two teams participating the Hall of Fame Game beginning a week earlier). General managers have said they need free agency to begin no later than July 15, allowing at least 10 days for a flurry of signings. Anything before would be welcome, allowing up two or three weeks of free agency.

The preseason schedule, which is set to kick off Aug. 7 with the Hall of Fame Game, would be unaffected. So too, obviously, would be the start of the regular season on Sept. 8, when the New Orleans Saints (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nor/) are scheduled to visit the Green Bay Packers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/gnb/).

If a deal is done over the next couple weeks, essentially, the lockout could be one forgotten blip to history, no casualties except for meaningless minicamps and organized team activities.

If nothing else, after months of bad news, here’s at least some positive talk.

[whoman69]

Its almost like they did this so all the sports channels would be talking about football during the offseason.