PFT: Amid pessimism, some progress is made/Some Owners want to open books

[WoodysGirl]

Posted by Mike Florio on March 10, 2011, 11:10 AM EST
NFL LABOR FOOTBALL

Though the NFL and the NFLPA still have a long way to go in order to strike a deal (or, best case, an extension to keep working on a possible deal), we’re told that the financial gap between the parties continues to shrink.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the gap currently is under $700 million per year. And there’s still plenty of room to move.

Read more: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/10/amid-pessimism-some-progress-is-made/

darrenrovell darren rovell
New @profootballtalk report is accurate. Owners & players now less than $700 million apart.

SBJLizMullen Liz Mullen
Feeling bout NFL CBA bleak yesterday, with leaks, rhetoric. Hear there's effort to put lid on talks, cool it down. Will it work? Don't know.

 

[WoodysGirl]

CBSSportsNFL Eye on Football

Our own @realfreemancbs reports some owners want to open books, others refusing: j.mp/hepm2o

Owners can't agree on opening books

Posted on: March 10, 2011 11:40 am

There is just one day left before a possible NFL Armageddon and a crucial event has happened within the past 24 hours.

There are some NFL owners who want to completely open the league's financial books to the union, CBSSports.com has learned.

Read more: http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6264363/27835308

 

[Gaede]

Not surprising, re: the owners

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Yeah... The ones losing money are the ones willing to open their books. :laugh2:

Still don't blame the ones who don't want to. I wouldn't, either.

 

[YosemiteSam]

There are some NFL owners who want to completely open the league's financial books to the union, CBSSports.com has learned.

I SERIOUSLY doubt this. If there were, it would only be the owners that are losing their tails that want to see what the other teams are making. Otherwise, that would be an extremely foolish thing to do.

 

[InmanRoshi]

They'll have to open them anyway by court injuncture if the union decertifies and files anti-trust litigation to prevent a lockout..

 

[Gaede]

They'll have to open them anyway by court injuncture if the union decertifies and files anti-trust litigation to prevent a lockout..

These owners are really up against a wall, right now. It appears that the union is applying some pretty strong and effective pressure. Owners may be forced to concede or hand over their books--voluntarily or involuntarily.

 

[casmith07]

Give the $700M to retired players for health costs annually and pension. Problem solved.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Owners & players now less than $700 million apart? I don't get the excitement.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Give the $700M to retired players for health costs annually and pension. Problem solved.

I don't think ppl all know the benefits given to some of the retired players. While they do need some improvements, they do get quite alot.

The biggest gripe I read from years ago was the process of getting them. They've since streamlined them some. But retired players in general, are at the bottom of the rung in this battle.

 

[burmafrd]

I don't think ppl all know the benefits given to some of the retired players. While they do need some improvements, they do get quite alot.

The biggest gripe I read from years ago was the process of getting them. They've since streamlined them some. But retired players in general, are at the bottom of the rung in this battle.

The retired players do NOT get a lot. Their pensions are a joke. Have you seen what Bob Lilly gets?

 

[burmafrd]

I wonder if the union would be satisfied if they saw, say the books of around 10 teams?

 

[adbutcher]

Yeah... The ones losing money are the ones willing to open their books. :laugh2:

Still don't blame the ones who don't want to. I wouldn't, either.

Either open them now or later. If it goes to litigation, discovery will be a B for the owners..Body cavity search anyone?

 

[adbutcher]

I wonder if the union would be satisfied if they saw, say the books of around 10 teams?

Possibly if the books are representative of the entire league. If the books are from 10 middle tier or 10 lower tier franchises, probably no. If the books came from 3 lower tier, 3 middle tier, and 4 upper tier, probably yes.

 

[peplaw06]

Owners & players now less than $700 million apart? I don't get the excitement.

I know right? They toss these numbers around like $700 million is nothing. It's not one billion, but this story makes it sound like it's just a few dollars we're talking about.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I know right? They toss these numbers around like $700 million is nothing. It's not one billion, but this story makes it sound like it's just a few dollars we're talking about.

Its also meaningless without context.

$700 million of what to do what with?

To the players? Some more of the 'revenue' dispute?

 

[CCBoy]

On the same token...$300 Million being given up to this point by the owners, would more than take care of ANY Health Care issues for ANY player in the future. If that WAS the concern of the player's side, and NOT just personal greed.

At this point in my own career, that would already be measured against my own future. Not in number of lamborginies or corvettes are parked outside my multi-million dollar mansion. And Smith attempts to sound so full of high ground and with contempt for the owners infering they were attempting a real resolution.

Maybe those players should look Sheen in the face and see where lifestyle totally centered upon top shelf money flow leaves character. As if there should be guarantees in place that demand $25 Million annual salaries for football players. Sure they work hard, so do construction workers and dump truck drivers. Who is trying to once a year afford a game for his family. And Uncle Sam won't even guarantee Social Security for another 20 years to pay for medicines to even stay alive.

 

[sago1]

Would be interesting to know which owners willing open their books. Is it mostly the losing teams or mid level? Also really don't buy the argument that some owners don't want other owners to see their books. What in the world could Kraft be doing differently then any of the others--unless he making heaps of money.

Concede that maybe Jerry doesn't want his books opened if he having some difficulty cause of new stadium costs; may be is in tight situation financially so he can't add a few needed players in FA or extending contracts cause rookies are cheaper. Maybe he's concerned his bond ratings will go down & interest rate he paying will go up cause he's not as financially sound as it hopes to appear. Hmmm. He also hasn't sold naming rights to the new stadium. Presume not high enough offer made because of current economic situation.

 

[burmafrd]

more than a few financial experts have flat out said that Jerruh is quite solid financially. So I will take their opinions over any internet experts.

 

[CCBoy]

more than a few financial experts have flat out said that Jerruh is quite solid financially. So I will take their opinions over any internet experts.

Oh, the Forbe's article before the start of this last season, glowed in his accomplisments. He also was named the Dallas/Ft. Worth business person of the year...