NFL owners and players, led by Roger Goodell and DeMaurce Smith, respectively, are back in the negotiating room today trying to hammer out football's next labor agreement. The day started off with a statement from the plaintiffs of the players' antitrust lawsuit against the league, and the league has responded. Up first are the plaintiffs, followed by the league.
"We believe the overall proposal made by the players is fair for both sides and it is time to get this deal done. This is the time of year we as players turn our attention to the game on the field. We hope the owners feel the same way."
"We share the view that now is the time to reach an agreement so we can all get back to football and a full 2011 season. We are working hard with the players' negotiating team every day to complete an agreement as soon as possible."
My statement, had I the energy to write it, would resemble Drew Magary's. (Don't read it if you're not big on the cuss words. Just know that it comes from a place of anger.)