NFL, union meet again to discuss CBA
WASHINGTON - The NFL and players union representatives met for much of the afternoon Wednesday to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement.
It was the second session in five days, the previous negotiations taking place Saturday in Dallas. Another session is set for .
Neither side would comment on what was discussed or how fruitful the talks were.
Team owners opted out of the CBA in 2008, and the current contract expires March 3. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week heavily emphasized the need to get a deal done soon. NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith has said he expects the owners to lock out the players after the CBA expires.
Team owners want a bigger cut of annual revenues, which are roughly $9 billion, as well as a rookie wage scale and to increase the regular season by two games to 18, dropping two preseason games.
The players think those two extra games will cause a rise in injuries, although that issue appears more negotiable than giving back any percentage of the revenue pool.
The NFL has had labor peace since a 1987 players strike that led to three games with replacement players.
