NFL, union extend deadline to solve differences

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By HOWARD FENDRICH

WASHINGTON (AP) - Timeout, NFL. And NFLPA.

Buying time to try to close big gaps on big issues, the NFL and the players' union agreed Friday to extend the deadline for negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement by a week.

The current labor deal had been set to run out Thursday night. But the sides used an initial 24-hour extension to discuss and vote on the second, lengthier delay. Now the league and union will take a break over the weekend to assess their positions, resume mediation Monday, then have until the end of next Friday to talk.

"We're obviously having a lot of dialogue," Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday, the 11th day that he and NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith have spent time at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. "We met for a lot of days. And we are going to meet for more."

Although the seven-day extension is the first true signal that owners and players might avoid a protracted legal skirmish and work stoppage, it's clear they are not close to a new CBA.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110305/D9LOQS400.html

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FULL story at link.


NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with the media after football labor negotiations, Friday, march 4, 2011, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

[Pat Riot]

1. How to get respect for your your union

Merge with the NFL!