The owners and players of the National Football League are said to be close enough to a deal that lawyers are drawing up the portions of a new contract that are not in dispute. But if the two sides are unable to at least shake hands on the final sticking points by early next week, the beginning of the season may be in jeopardy.
According to a report in the Washington Post, the owners are prepared to delay the start of the season if a handshake accord is not reached soon. Talks are expected to be held Thursday 7/7/11 and continue until an agreement is reached or they are stalemated.
The first preseason game is scheduled for 8/7/11 – it’s to feature the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams in Hall of Fame town Canton OH — and training camps can begin opening 7/28/11.
According to the Post, a handshake agreement is not expected by Friday but could come over the weekend, enabling a forma pact to be completed by 7/21/11 and preventing a delay to the opening of the season.
RBR-TVBR observation: Nobody wins if the entire NFL season is cancelled. It is extremely annoying to fans of the NFL to watch the rich and the richer battling over the last dollar. It is far worse to watch if the health of your business or personal bank account is held hostage. Get it done, gang.
