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NFL Union Decertifies As Talks Break Down
Move Makes League's First Stoppage Since 1987 Nearly Certain
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.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The head of the players' union says it would agree to a third extension of the collective bargaining agreement if the NFL provides 10 years of audited financial data.
After leaving the mediated talks with the league, DeMaurice Smith says, "Significant differences continue to remain." The labor pact expires at the end of Friday.
Without another extension, the owners could lock out the players or the union could decertify. Both of those moves would threaten the 2011 season, forcing the first labor stoppage in 24 years.
Move Makes League's First Stoppage Since 1987 Nearly Certain
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.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The head of the players' union says it would agree to a third extension of the collective bargaining agreement if the NFL provides 10 years of audited financial data.
After leaving the mediated talks with the league, DeMaurice Smith says, "Significant differences continue to remain." The labor pact expires at the end of Friday.
Without another extension, the owners could lock out the players or the union could decertify. Both of those moves would threaten the 2011 season, forcing the first labor stoppage in 24 years.