NFL Commissioner Optimistic On Labor Deal
NEW YORK, NY (AP) - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is telling fans that "if both sides give a little," the league and players "can and will reach an agreement" on a new labor deal.
In an e-mail sent Monday to about 5 million fans and obtained by The Associated Press, Goodell says "economic realities are forcing everyone to make tough choices and the NFL is no different."
He outlines two key elements in negotiations to replace the current collective bargaining agreement, which expires March 4: A change to an 18-game regular season, and the need to shift to veterans some what Goodell calls the "outrageous sums paid to many unproven rookies."
Writes Goodell: "All we're asking for is a return to common sense in paying our rookies. Other leagues have done this and we can too."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
