Just minutes after the NFL Network reported the NFLPA planned to file decertification papers on Friday, the report was retracted and news indicating the two sides were still meeting emerged. The collective bargaining agreement negotiations have become a game of cat and mouse, with both sides throwing everything on the table, including bluffs, to get a deal done. The NFLPA and owners have until the close of business on Friday to get a deal done in an attempt to avoid a lockout.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the two sides are meeting as we speak as a final, desperate attempt to make some progress. The two sides have been meeting all day, though it’s unclear how much movement, if any, has occurred on the key issues.
The union has been threatening decertification, and an antitrust lawsuit, since negotiations stalled, but maintain it’s the last resort. Filing for decertification would allow the players to individually file lawsuits against the team, as well as attempt to block the lockout with an injunction. While it’s not ideal, the players have said decertification could be their only option at this point.
Whatever happens, we should have a resolution within the next hour or so with the deadline looming. Stay with out NFL lockout StoryStream for the latest from the negotiations.