Owners Agree, Players Don't... Yet

The media was all abuzz this week after a few weeks of negotiations between the NFL Owners and the Players. Both sides seemed to be coming to an agreement and it looked like it was all going to end this week. Think again. Thursday was the media imposed deadline for the two sides in which only the Owners actually agreed. They voted on the deal and it was 31 for and zero against. The Raiders would abstain (who else but Al Davis). Meanwhile, the players didn't vote on the deal yet as Wednesday passed, then Thursday and Friday.

It's not that they don't disagree with the deal, it's just that the Players are reviewing it and going over the details. The Owners seemed to have not given them the whole version of the proposed CBA and the players are still going over it in fine detail trying not to rush into anything. Meanwhile, the fans are starting to get impatient. Although it may not matter that much but a game has been officially canceled. The Hall of Fame weekend game with the Rams and the Bears has been canceled due to time constraints. It's only one game and a preseason game but it's still money.

In my opinion, it still seems like a deal will get done. Maybe a little later than expected but there will be a final deal. The Players are looking at a ten year deal which is to say the least an incredible amount of time. They just want to make sure the owners didn't sneak anything in the CBA which some suspect they might've done. As a fan of the game, I say take your time, ignore the public, and don't rush into anything. There are millions of dollars at stake along with possible new rules and regulations that can affect salaries and careers. I'd read the CBA with a magnifying glass if I were any of the player reps.

As for fans, be patient. I know you want football and you find it disgusting that millionaires and billionaires are fighting over money but if you were them, you'd slow down and read this thing carefully too.