Post by TheShadow on Mar 11, 2011 18:25:04 GMT -5
www.chicagobreakingsports.com
Tribune News Services
WASHINGTON -- The NFL players' union has decertified, making the league's first work stoppage since 1987 a near-certainty.
After 16 days of mediated talks with the NFL, the sides could not reach agreement on a new deal. The current one expires at the end of Friday, and the league could lock out its players.
By decertifying, the union has cleared the way for individual players to file antitrust lawsuits against the NFL, which opted out of the CBA in 2008. It has renounced its right to represent the players in contract bargaining.
The CBA was due to expire a week ago and was extended twice.
The union's latest move sets the stage for a lengthy court fight that could potentially threaten the 2011 season.
Meanwhile, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees took to Twitter to apologize in advance to fans, saying, "I am very sorry that you as fans have to endure this. ... I give you my word that we as players are doing everything we can to negotiate with the NFL toward a fair deal."
After the decertification was announced, Brees tweeted, "Not once have the players asked for more money during this negotiation. That is a FACT."
Tribune News Services
WASHINGTON -- The NFL players' union has decertified, making the league's first work stoppage since 1987 a near-certainty.
After 16 days of mediated talks with the NFL, the sides could not reach agreement on a new deal. The current one expires at the end of Friday, and the league could lock out its players.
By decertifying, the union has cleared the way for individual players to file antitrust lawsuits against the NFL, which opted out of the CBA in 2008. It has renounced its right to represent the players in contract bargaining.
The CBA was due to expire a week ago and was extended twice.
The union's latest move sets the stage for a lengthy court fight that could potentially threaten the 2011 season.
Meanwhile, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees took to Twitter to apologize in advance to fans, saying, "I am very sorry that you as fans have to endure this. ... I give you my word that we as players are doing everything we can to negotiate with the NFL toward a fair deal."
After the decertification was announced, Brees tweeted, "Not once have the players asked for more money during this negotiation. That is a FACT."