The NFLPA, or union formerly known as the NFLPA, was supposed to vote on the terms of an agreement to end the NFL lockout on Wednesday, clearing one of the final hurdles left between the two sides and a return to football. But it hasn't happened as of yet, and there is some strong dissension in the room as the players debate amongst themselves on the terms of an agreement negotiated by Roger Goodell, DeMaurice Smith and a team of representatives from both the player and owner sides.
So, time to panic, right? We were all told the vote was a formality and these hurdles would be minor compared to what it took to reach an agreement. Chris Mortensen reminds the American public that this is a normal part of the process, and is consistent with the environment union leaders thought they'd meet on Wednesday.
There is real debate & some dissent on certain issues w/ proposal. Part of process but consistent w Mawae's assessment. No rubberstamping. It doesn't mean there won't be a vote at some point, it is not unsual to hear about such debate at this stage. These things are fluid and can change swiftly so no reason to over-react as this point.
There's still plenty of time to vote on Wednesday and it's unlikely the players leave their meeting without taking a vote to ratify the agreement. But part of the process includes a healthy debate and explanation of the major issues before jumping into ratifying the deal. The NFLPA is doing its due-diligence one more time in the final stages of the NFL lockout.
While the players aren't quite back to work yet, it seems all but certain that the NFL will be back in action within the next week or so. And when the action begins again, the schedule will be unlike anything we've ever seen before, with a free agency period that resembles a chaotic, and high-stakes, game of roulette.
For the latest news and updates on the ongoing labor battle, stay with our NFL lockout StoryStream. Head over to Field Gulls for a breakdown of the lockout.