NFL owners, players meet again
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell listens to questions during a news conference at the owners meetings in Rosemont, Ill. (June 21, 2011) Credit: AP
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith were among the key figures who met for a second straight day Thursday in the Boston area, trying to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement.
Joining them were players Tony Richardson, Domonique Foxworth and Jeff Saturday. The Giants' John Mara was among the owners present, along with Jerry Richardson, Clark Hunt, Robert Kraft and Dean Spanos.
The talks took place at Nantasket Beach Resort in Hull, Mass.
"The players and owners were here over the last two days,'' Goodell said. "De and I were here for the entire meetings also. And it's complicated and it's complex, but we're working hard and we understand the fans' frustration. But I think both of us feel strongly that we're going to continue to work hard at it."
So, is Smith optimistic about a new deal being worked out soon?
"I think we're both optimistic when we have the right people in the room,'' Smith said. "We know we're talking about the right issues ... It requires a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but we're committed to getting something done.
"We're working hard. We understand the fans' frustration; I know our players' frustration. We're going to keep working hard and try to make sure we get a deal done."
The sides reportedly are expected to meet next week at an undisclosed location. -- RODERICK BOONE
