We are half way home!!!!!! CBA approved by owners!

[stillers4me]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1139306617/image_normal.jpg
viccarucci (http://twitter.com/#!/viccarucci)Vic Carucci



Vote passed. CBA approved by owners. Now up to the players.

[steelerdude15]

Owners just ratified the proposal to end the lockout. There's still the players conference all at eight tonight. That is eight eastern time tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, your thoughts.

[stillers4me]

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/313743829/PFW_FB1_normal.jpg
ProFootballWkly (http://twitter.com/#!/ProFootballWkly)Pro Football Weekly



Per @richeisen (http://twitter.com/richeisen): Vote was 31-0 on owners side, with #Raiders (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23Raiders) abstaining.

[steelerdude15]

Thanks for combining these! Anyways, they just said that the voting was 31-0. The only team that said no to the proposal was of course..... the Raiders.

[stillers4me]

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1362447693/bailey111_normal.jpg
SI_PeterKing (http://twitter.com/#!/SI_PeterKing)Peter King



It wouldn't be a big vote in the NFL without Al abstaining.

[fansince'76]

Good ol' Al Davis. :chuckle:

[steelerdude15]

Al Davis just loves starting problems. :chuckle:

[stillers4me]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1440452927/deebo_normal.jpg
MPCharles25 (http://twitter.com/#!/MPCharles25)Matt Charlesby Steelersdepot@



@cibs23 (http://twitter.com/cibs23) @Steelersdepot (http://twitter.com/Steelersdepot) al davis probably thinks he's voting for meatloaf or chicken

[Count Steeler]

Now the NFLPA has to recertify. We are getting close. Finally! Let's play some football.

[fansince'76]

Now the NFLPA has to recertify.

Yep, I heard a final vote by the players isn't expected tonight(?)

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1370365165/photo_normal.jpg
JasonLaCanfora (http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora) Jason La Canfora



Commish Goodell says Hall of Fame Game is cancelled. League's plan has facilities open on 7/23 and league year start 7/27 on 10-yr deal

[fansince'76]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1370365165/photo_normal.jpg
JasonLaCanfora (http://twitter.com/#%21/JasonLaCanfora) Jason La Canfora



Commish Goodell says Hall of Fame Game is cancelled.

That sucks for this year's inductees - that's kinda their day in the sun.

[stillers4me]

AdamSchefter (http://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter) Adam Schefter



In email to player reps, NFL demanding that NFLPA re-form as a union and provide evidence by Tuesday, July 26.

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1370365165/photo_normal.jpg
JasonLaCanfora (http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora) Jason La Canfora



Following the reconstitution of the NFLPA and CBA approval by NFLPA, free agency signings start at 2ET on 7/27, per the NFL press release

[tube517]

Al couldn't get off life support to vote

[SteelerEmpire]

All they have to do is send out a mass text message to the players promising free alcohol for a year and they'll get 100% approval... :eyebrows:

[tube517]

That sucks for this year's inductees - that's kinda their day in the sun.

The game is cancelled but what about the induction?

[fansince'76]

The game is cancelled but what about the induction?

I would imagine the induction and the HoFer's dinner and all that is still on, but they miss out on being introduced at halftime of the HoF game. Kind of a bummer as a tradition gets broken.

[Carolina Steelers]

Looks like Harrison is home free no action to be taken according to jeff pash

[stillers4me]

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1425121539/Trott_Head_Shot_Revised_normal.jpg
SI_JimTrotter (http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JimTrotter)Jim Trotter



you can take it to the bank that the players are not going to ratify this proposal as currently presented. #nfl (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23nfl)

[stillers4me]

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1425121539/Trott_Head_Shot_Revised_normal.jpg
SI_JimTrotter (http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JimTrotter)Jim Trotter



there were outstanding issues that had yet to be resolved, and the players are not going to ratify the proposal w/o those being addressed.

[86WARD]

Not quite halfway yet...has to go to the players and then it has to go to the 10 that are in the Brady case. If Jackson or Mankins says no, the deal isn't done. The players, if they approve, will recommend that the plaintiffs in the case drop the case and accept the CBA, but if one doesn't, then the thing is going to be held up...

Let's hope it goes without a hitch!!

This is huge:
A firm 10-year agreement with NO opt outs. Labor peace till 2021 if NFLPA ratifies deal.

http://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/status/94186761596583937

[tube517]

I would imagine the induction and the HoFer's dinner and all that is still on, but they miss out on being introduced at halftime of the HoF game. Kind of a bummer as a tradition gets broken.

Yeah, but I watch the speeches as those provide more excitement than the HOF game itself. By halftime, I'm asleep. :zzz:

[86WARD]

Smith's Email to the players:


As you know the Owners have ratifified their proposal to settle our differences. It is my understanding they are forwarding it to us. As u may have heard, they apparently approved a supplemental revenue sharing proposal. Obly, we hv not bn a part of those discussions. As you know from yesterday, issues that need to be collectively bargained remain open other issues such as workers compensation, economic issues and end of deal terms remain unresolved. There is no agreement between the NFL and the Players at this time. I look forward to our call tonight.
Twitter (http://twitter.com/#%21/SI_JimTrotter)

[Chidi29]

I still have a ton of questions.

What happens if the players reject the proposal? Will a new one have to be created and voted on again?

If the players do approve it, which I imagine they will, when does the 72 hour period where teams will be able to re-sign their own FAs begin? Monday since it sounds like Wedensday will be the start of free agency?

Will there be a period where teams will be able to review the rules of the new CBA as has been talked about in the past?

[stillers4me]

There's some bad vibes going around twitter. There's a good possiblity the players will not accept the deal as it is currently written.

It seems the owners may have pulled a fast one and the players feel pressured to take a deal they dont' want. All the promises to fans about facilities opening Saturday, FA....etc....

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/408421355/twitterProfilePhoto_normal.jpg
Steelersdepot (http://twitter.com/#!/Steelersdepot)Steelers Depot



Owners were smart to grand stand this.

[86WARD]

JULY

July 23 Voluntary training, conditioning and classroom instruction permitted until first day of clubs’ preseason training camps.

July 23 Pre-2011 League Year Period commences. 2011 Free Agency List to be issued and will become effective on the first day of the 2011 League Year (July 27). Clubs/players may begin to renegotiate contracts. Clubs may begin to sign Drafted Rookies and their own UFAs, RFAs, Exclusive Rights Players and Franchise Players.

July 23 Waivers begin for the 2011 League Year.

July 23 Starting at 2:00 PM ET, clubs may negotiate with, but not sign, Undrafted Rookie Free Agents, free agents, and other clubs’ UFAs, RFAs, and Franchise Players.

July 24 Starting at 2:00 PM ET, clubs may begin to sign undrafted rookie free agents.

July 27 2011 League Year commences at 2:00 PM ET, provided NFLPA has ratified CBA. Free Agency Signing Period begins. Clubs may sign free agents and other clubs’ Unrestricted Free Agents. Clubs may sign Offer Sheets. Trading period begins. All Clubs must be under the Salary Cap. Top 51 rule applies.

July 27 Expand rosters to 90-man limit.

July 27 Training Camps open for all clubs, provided NFLPA has ratified CBA. Day One activities limited to physicals, meetings, and conditioning. No pads permitted on Day Two or Day Three.

AUGUST

August 9 Deadline for players under contract to report to their clubs to earn an Accrued Season for free agency.

August 11-15 First Preseason Weekend

August 12 Deadline for signing of Offer Sheets by Restricted Free Agents. (17-day period concludes)

August 12 Deadline for June 1 Tender to Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not signed a Player Contract with a Club by August 26, he may negotiate or sign a Player Contract from August 26 until the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season, at 4:00 PM ET, only with his Prior Club.

August 12 Deadline: if a Drafted Rookie has not signed a Player Contract by this date, he cannot be traded during his initial League Year and may sign a Player Contract only with the drafting Club until the day of the Draft in the next League Year.

August 13-17 Each Club has until five days prior to its second preseason game to provide any tendered but unsigned Exclusive Rights Player or Restricted Free Agent with written notice of the Club’s intent to place the player on the Exempt List if the player fails to report at least the day before the Club’s second preseason game.

August 16 Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents. (Four-day matching period conlcudes)

August 17 Deadline for June 1 Tender to Restricted Free Agents who have received a Qualifying Offer for a Right of First Refusal Only.

August 18-22 Second Preseason Weekend.

August 25-28 Third Preseason Weekend.

August 26 Signing Period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents who received the June 1 Tender.

August 29 Deadline for June 15 Tender to Restricted Free Agents. If player’s Qualifying Offer is greater than 110% of the player’s prior year’s Paragraph 5 Salary (with all other terms of his prior year contract carried forward unchanged), the Club may withdraw the Qualifying Offer on August 29 and retain its exclusive negotiating rights to the player, so long as the Club immediately tenders the player a one-year Player Contract of at least 110% of his prior year’s Paragraph 5 Salary, with all the terms of his prior year’s contract carried forward unchanged.

August 30 Clubs reduce rosters from 90 players to 75 players.

SEPTEMBER

September 1-2 Fourth Preseason Weekend.

September 3 Clubs reduce rosters to 53 players.

September 8-12 First Regular-Season Weekend.

September 18-19 Second Regular-Season Weekend



September 20 Deadline at 4:00 PM ET for any Club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multi-year contract or extension.

NFLLabor.com (http://nfllabor.com/2011/07/21/nfl-clubs-approve-comprehensive-agreement/)

[tube517]

I still have a ton of questions.

What happens if the players reject the proposal? Will a new one have to be created and voted on again?

If the players do approve it, which I imagine they will, when does the 72 hour period where teams will be able to re-sign their own FAs begin? Monday since it sounds like Wedensday will be the start of free agency?

Will there be a period where teams will be able to review the rules of the new CBA as has been talked about in the past?

Agree, I am not so sure that the players are going to accept this so quickly. I'm not feeling as optomistic yet.

[stillers4me]

I don't trust Goodell as far as James could piss on him. This looked like a big PR stunt to pressure the players.

[tube517]

Looks like Harrison is home free no action to be taken according to jeff pash

Jeff who?

[Count Steeler]

Seems like a ploy by the owners to strong arm the players into accepting the deal. Now they can go to the fans and say, hey, we got all our owners to agree on this deal, we conceded on some points, but now look, the players are being unreasonable. This is looking worse instead of better.

[Craic]

It better be something they are comfortable with. Because if they do this again in a few years, many people will be done with football.

With that said, I am glad to see it finally happening.

[Chidi29]

Well geez guys, I don't know what the owners have to do to make you guys happy. They approve the deal, they get yelled out for a publicity stunt (as if they'd risk accepting a ten year deal they're locked in to they didn't like). They reject the deal and they get yelled out for delaying an already slow and painful process.

What do you want?



I'm sure the owners voted on the deal THEY liked.

I want them to not make all kinds of promises, get fans excited until both sides come to an agreement. If you can't see how wrong that was, and how it deliberately will make the players look like the bad guys when obviously, there are still open issues, then I don't know what else to tell you.

The owners are still playing their head games, even at the zero hour.

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1042067160/skipred_normal.jpg
RealSkipBayless (http://twitter.com/#!/RealSkipBayless)Skip Baylessby RamonFoster



Now, as I predicted an hour ago, players are firing back at owners, saying owners are pressuring them to make quick bad decision. Exactly.

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/965458153/PFTsmalllogo_normal_normal.JPGProFootballTalk (http://twitter.com/#!/ProFootballTalk)ProFootballTalkby caplannfl



Well, it looks like the NFL has screwed the pooch http://t.co/GpovLNj (http://t.co/GpovLNj)

[86WARD]

It better be something they are comfortable with. Because if they do this again in a few years, many people will be done with football.

With that said, I am glad to see it finally happening.

This CBA is for 10 years with no opt outs...

[Butch]

From the very begining of this I have stated we will miss 1/2 the season. When anybody asks me about the deals I say don't trust any rumors. I will only believe it when the ink is on the papers from all sides. Lots of people at work seemed very optimistic but I warn them to beware.

[salamander]

Everything that I'm hearing has the players NOT in agreement with what the owners just approved. This thing ain't over yet.

[zulater]

There is no deal, the players haven't agreed to anything yet. Lockout is still on, and once you start losing preseason games the owners will renege on what they just agreed on probably.

[Carolina Steelers]

Jeff who?

executive vice president of the National Football League

[Chidi29]

I'm sure the owners voted on the deal THEY liked.

I want them to not make all kinds of promises, get fans excited until both sides come to an agreement. If you can't see how wrong that was, and how it deliberately will make the players look like the bad guys when obviously, there are still open issues, then I don't know what else to tell you.

The owners are still playing their head games, even at the zero hour.

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1042067160/skipred_normal.jpg
RealSkipBayless (http://twitter.com/#!/RealSkipBayless)Skip Baylessby RamonFoster



Now, as I predicted an hour ago, players are firing back at owners, saying owners are pressuring them to make quick bad decision. Exactly.

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/965458153/PFTsmalllogo_normal_normal.JPGProFootballTalk (http://twitter.com/#!/ProFootballTalk)ProFootballTalkby caplannfl



Well, it looks like the NFL has screwed the pooch http://t.co/GpovLNj (http://t.co/GpovLNj)

What promises did the NFL make? The schedule has been known all day today. The owners would vote and then the players would. Tell me what promises the NFL made that a deal would be done today.

The owners are going through their motions. A proposed deal has been voted on by the owners. Now the players have the right to go through their motions.

What proof is it that their pressuring the players? I mean, someone had to vote first.

[Chidi29]

Everything that I'm hearing has the players NOT in agreement with what the owners just approved. This thing ain't over yet.

The players are in a conference call right now with all player reps on the phone. This has been known all day. No one should be surprised an agreement hasn't been reached yet.

[stillers4me]

By saying that if the players approve this today, facilities would open on Saturday, yada yada yada. This was a power play. Period.


http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/313743829/PFW_FB1_normal.jpg
ProFootballWkly (http://twitter.com/#!/ProFootballWkly)Pro Football Weekly



#Bears (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23Bears) TE @gregolsen82 (http://twitter.com/gregolsen82) makes a good point: "owners approved OWN proposal." Still some negotiations to be done by both sides.

[Chidi29]

By saying that if the players approve this today, facilities would open on Saturday, yada yada yada. This was a power play. Period.


http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/313743829/PFW_FB1_normal.jpg
ProFootballWkly (http://twitter.com/#!/ProFootballWkly)Pro Football Weekly



#Bears (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23Bears) TE @gregolsen82 (http://twitter.com/gregolsen82) makes a good point: "owners approved OWN proposal." Still some negotiations to be done by both sides.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that if a deal is agreed upon, the season will start very soon.

And it's not like the NFL just said that. They've produced an entire schedule.

[Chidi29]

I want the players to make an informed decision and one that they're comfortable with. But to me, there is some pressure on them to make a swift decision be it yes or no. If we want to keep our season, something needs to get decided on now.

[stillers4me]

Goodell knew exactly what he was doing tonight. NFL players are now under pressure, and fans who don't understand the process will blame them. Half of them still think the players went on strike for more money.

No timetable should have been released until the players ratify the deal. The owners could have "ratified" a deal weeks ago. It doesn't mean the players agree with it.

[salamander]

The players are in a conference call right now with all player reps on the phone. This has been known all day. No one should be surprised an agreement hasn't been reached yet.

Actually not all of us were following this all day because some of us had to work. So excuse me.

[Chidi29]

Actually not all of us were following this all day because some of us had to work. So excuse me.

I worked too. Anyone who jumps to conclusions without gathering all the information is personally at fault. The fact the players were holding this conference call was not hidden at all.

[Chidi29]

Goodell knew exactly what he was doing tonight. NFL players are now under pressure, and fans who don't understand the process will blame them. Half of them still think the players went on strike for more money.

No timetable should have been released until the players ratify the deal. The owners could have "ratified" a deal weeks ago. It doesn't mean the players agree with it.

And if the players would have voted first, they did get a look at the deal yesterday, the owners would've been under pressure.

Here's what I know. The NFL is approving a deal they like. That is just protocol. No one is telling the players they have to give in. They've been at the negotiation tables, another reason why the league probably couldn't have ratified a deal weeks ago because it didn't exist, and should have had at least an idea of the CBA in the coming weeks up until today. Now, they get to look at the entire thing and can make a decision off of that.

[stillers4me]

I worked too. Anyone who jumps to conclusions without gathering all the information is personally at fault. The fact the players were holding this conference call was not hidden at all.

Nobody is questioning the conference call. Did you not hear all the promises that were made if the players took the deal as written, right now??????

That's called a power play and it's dirty pool.

[X-Terminator]

There's no question this was done by the owners to put pressure on the players. They knew that this proposal would be rejected and were trying to shift all of the PR to their favor since the fans are tired of all of this crap and just want football. Looks like it didn't work. The players, though, need to come up with a proposal of their own, because so far I've not seen one since the lockout began. The owners at least HAVE a plan on the table.

[stillers4me]

Hopefully the issues get resolved VERY soon. But the players do not seem happy with the stunt the league pulled tonight.



http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1228509772/Breer5_normal.JPG
AlbertBreer (http://twitter.com/#!/AlbertBreer)Albert Breerby nflnetwork



On our air, @Jay_Glazer (http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer) just said there's gonna be NO player vote. I'm hearing this call is not going well right now.

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1370365165/photo_normal.jpg
JasonLaCanfora (http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora)Jason La Canfora



Multiple player reps reiterate to me what I've been regarding a vote on settlement/CBA - no vote until all lingering issues resolved ...

[Chidi29]

In order to get a deal done, the owners were going to have to vote at some point. And someone had to approve a proposal first.

The owners want to get a deal done too. They're just trying to do so before we start missing important events.

[Chidi29]

Nobody is questioning the conference call. Did you not hear all the promises that were made if the players took the deal as written, right now??????

That's called a power play and it's dirty pool.

What promises? By who?

[zulater]

It looks to me as if players want their cake and to eat it too. They don't want to recertify, but no CBA is valid until they do so. Then they still want to reap the benifits of all the unresolved lawsuits, while the owners contend that in order to form a partnership the suits need to be dropped. Good partners don't sue one another.

I'll say this, if the players reject this offer look for the owners to go to the mats and rescind this offer completely, they certainly wont improve upon it!
and we will miss regular season games.

[86WARD]

Remember, the players still have the $200,000 insurance policy in their back pocket...

[stillers4me]

What promises? By who?

JULY

July 23 Voluntary training, conditioning and classroom instruction permitted until first day of clubs’ preseason training camps.

July 23 Pre-2011 League Year Period commences. 2011 Free Agency List to be issued and will become effective on the first day of the 2011 League Year (July 27). Clubs/players may begin to renegotiate contracts. Clubs may begin to sign Drafted Rookies and their own UFAs, RFAs, Exclusive Rights Players and Franchise Players.

July 23 Waivers begin for the 2011 League Year.

July 23 Starting at 2:00 PM ET, clubs may negotiate with, but not sign, Undrafted Rookie Free Agents, free agents, and other clubs’ UFAs, RFAs, and Franchise Players.

July 24 Starting at 2:00 PM ET, clubs may begin to sign undrafted rookie free agents.

July 27 2011 League Year commences at 2:00 PM ET, provided NFLPA has ratified CBA. Free Agency Signing Period begins. Clubs may sign free agents and other clubs’ Unrestricted Free Agents. Clubs may sign Offer Sheets. Trading period begins. All Clubs must be under the Salary Cap. Top 51 rule applies.

July 27 Expand rosters to 90-man limit.

July 27 Training Camps open for all clubs, provided NFLPA has ratified CBA. Day One activities limited to physicals, meetings, and conditioning. No pads permitted on Day Two or Day Three.

AUGUST

August 9 Deadline for players under contract to report to their clubs to earn an Accrued Season for free agency.

August 11-15 First Preseason Weekend

August 12 Deadline for signing of Offer Sheets by Restricted Free Agents. (17-day period concludes)

August 12 Deadline for June 1 Tender to Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not signed a Player Contract with a Club by August 26, he may negotiate or sign a Player Contract from August 26 until the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season, at 4:00 PM ET, only with his Prior Club.

August 12 Deadline: if a Drafted Rookie has not signed a Player Contract by this date, he cannot be traded during his initial League Year and may sign a Player Contract only with the drafting Club until the day of the Draft in the next League Year.

August 13-17 Each Club has until five days prior to its second preseason game to provide any tendered but unsigned Exclusive Rights Player or Restricted Free Agent with written notice of the Club’s intent to place the player on the Exempt List if the player fails to report at least the day before the Club’s second preseason game.

August 16 Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents. (Four-day matching period conlcudes)

August 17 Deadline for June 1 Tender to Restricted Free Agents who have received a Qualifying Offer for a Right of First Refusal Only.

August 18-22 Second Preseason Weekend.

August 25-28 Third Preseason Weekend.

August 26 Signing Period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents who received the June 1 Tender.

August 29 Deadline for June 15 Tender to Restricted Free Agents. If player’s Qualifying Offer is greater than 110% of the player’s prior year’s Paragraph 5 Salary (with all other terms of his prior year contract carried forward unchanged), the Club may withdraw the Qualifying Offer on August 29 and retain its exclusive negotiating rights to the player, so long as the Club immediately tenders the player a one-year Player Contract of at least 110% of his prior year’s Paragraph 5 Salary, with all the terms of his prior year’s contract carried forward unchanged.

August 30 Clubs reduce rosters from 90 players to 75 players.

SEPTEMBER

September 1-2 Fourth Preseason Weekend.

September 3 Clubs reduce rosters to 53 players.

September 8-12 First Regular-Season Weekend.

September 18-19 Second Regular-Season Weekend



September 20 Deadline at 4:00 PM ET for any Club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multi-year contract or extension. NFLLabor.com (http://nfllabor.com/2011/07/21/nfl-clubs-approve-comprehensive-agreement/)

[stillers4me]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1089716968/DSC00265_normal.JPG
realfreemancbs (http://twitter.com/#!/realfreemancbs)mike freeman



Think about this: the owners ratified an agreement the players hadn't seen yet.

[zulater]

Hopefully the issues get resolved VERY soon. But the players do not seem happy with the stunt the league pulled tonight.



http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1228509772/Breer5_normal.JPG
AlbertBreer (http://twitter.com/#!/AlbertBreer)Albert Breerby nflnetwork



On our air, @Jay_Glazer (http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer) just said there's gonna be NO player vote. I'm hearing this call is not going well right now.

What stunt? The players were supposed to vote on the propasal before the owners did, but they couldn't get their shit together. The players want it both ways, they want a new CBA, but they don't want to let go of their litigation awards.

[stillers4me]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1447821854/image_normal.jpg
HeathEvans (http://twitter.com/#!/HeathEvans)Heath Evansby Steelersdepot



Here is what the "Real" fans need 2 know: The owners tried 2 slip many things n2 the CBA "they" voted on that were NEVER agreed 2!#PRPlay (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23PRPlay)

[Chidi29]

And yes, there may still be some minor lingering issues to be worked out. VJ and Mankins wanting special concessions, trying to get the lawsuits into one case that can be dropped when the CBA is settled. No matter what deal gets done, not all of the issues will be decided and everyone will be holding hands around the campfire.

But the big issues, owner/player split, eighteen game season, rookie wage scale, veteran benefits, player insurance, minimum salary, length and terms of the CBA itself, have all been decided.

There isn't time to iron out every single detail. If it can be resolved with a new CBA, then take the deal. If not, then of course don't take a deal you hate. But actually vote, air out all of the issues, make progress.

[Chidi29]

JULY

July 23 Voluntary training, conditioning and classroom instruction permitted until first day of clubs’ preseason training camps.

July 23 Pre-2011 League Year Period commences. 2011 Free Agency List to be issued and will become effective on the first day of the 2011 League Year (July 27). Clubs/players may begin to renegotiate contracts. Clubs may begin to sign Drafted Rookies and their own UFAs, RFAs, Exclusive Rights Players and Franchise Players.

July 23 Waivers begin for the 2011 League Year.

July 23 Starting at 2:00 PM ET, clubs may negotiate with, but not sign, Undrafted Rookie Free Agents, free agents, and other clubs’ UFAs, RFAs, and Franchise Players.

July 24 Starting at 2:00 PM ET, clubs may begin to sign undrafted rookie free agents.

July 27 2011 League Year commences at 2:00 PM ET, provided NFLPA has ratified CBA. Free Agency Signing Period begins. Clubs may sign free agents and other clubs’ Unrestricted Free Agents. Clubs may sign Offer Sheets. Trading period begins. All Clubs must be under the Salary Cap. Top 51 rule applies.

July 27 Expand rosters to 90-man limit.

July 27 Training Camps open for all clubs, provided NFLPA has ratified CBA. Day One activities limited to physicals, meetings, and conditioning. No pads permitted on Day Two or Day Three.

AUGUST

August 9 Deadline for players under contract to report to their clubs to earn an Accrued Season for free agency.

August 11-15 First Preseason Weekend

August 12 Deadline for signing of Offer Sheets by Restricted Free Agents. (17-day period concludes)

August 12 Deadline for June 1 Tender to Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not signed a Player Contract with a Club by August 26, he may negotiate or sign a Player Contract from August 26 until the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season, at 4:00 PM ET, only with his Prior Club.

August 12 Deadline: if a Drafted Rookie has not signed a Player Contract by this date, he cannot be traded during his initial League Year and may sign a Player Contract only with the drafting Club until the day of the Draft in the next League Year.

August 13-17 Each Club has until five days prior to its second preseason game to provide any tendered but unsigned Exclusive Rights Player or Restricted Free Agent with written notice of the Club’s intent to place the player on the Exempt List if the player fails to report at least the day before the Club’s second preseason game.

August 16 Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents. (Four-day matching period conlcudes)

August 17 Deadline for June 1 Tender to Restricted Free Agents who have received a Qualifying Offer for a Right of First Refusal Only.

August 18-22 Second Preseason Weekend.

August 25-28 Third Preseason Weekend.

August 26 Signing Period ends for Unrestricted Free Agents who received the June 1 Tender.

August 29 Deadline for June 15 Tender to Restricted Free Agents. If player’s Qualifying Offer is greater than 110% of the player’s prior year’s Paragraph 5 Salary (with all other terms of his prior year contract carried forward unchanged), the Club may withdraw the Qualifying Offer on August 29 and retain its exclusive negotiating rights to the player, so long as the Club immediately tenders the player a one-year Player Contract of at least 110% of his prior year’s Paragraph 5 Salary, with all the terms of his prior year’s contract carried forward unchanged.

August 30 Clubs reduce rosters from 90 players to 75 players.

SEPTEMBER

September 1-2 Fourth Preseason Weekend.

September 3 Clubs reduce rosters to 53 players.

September 8-12 First Regular-Season Weekend.

September 18-19 Second Regular-Season Weekend



September 20 Deadline at 4:00 PM ET for any Club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multi-year contract or extension. NFLLabor.com (http://nfllabor.com/2011/07/21/nfl-clubs-approve-comprehensive-agreement/)

First of all, that's a tenative schedule. And it's not a promise that this is definitely how the schedule would work. Only if a deal was reached soon.

[zulater]

n:
http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1089716968/DSC00265_normal.JPG
realfreemancbs (http://twitter.com/#!/realfreemancbs)mike freeman



Think about this: the owners ratified an agreement the players hadn't seen yet.

Oh yeah that twitter is all I need to see to know the real truth.:sarcasm2:

[86WARD]

Here is what the "Real" fans need 2 know: The owners tried 2 slip many things n2 the CBA "they" voted on that were NEVER agreed 2! #PRPlay Heath Rvans: Twitter.com (http://twitter.com/HeathEvans/status/94205470344085504)

[Chidi29]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1447821854/image_normal.jpg
HeathEvans (http://twitter.com/#!/HeathEvans)Heath Evansby Steelersdepot



Here is what the "Real" fans need 2 know: The owners tried 2 slip many things n2 the CBA "they" voted on that were NEVER agreed 2!#PRPlay (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23PRPlay)

Because I know that all information is factual and reliable when said within 140 characters.

[steeldevil]

I'm actually glad the Bus and Dawson didn't get in the HOF this year now that the HOF game is cancelled. That sucks for this years inducties.

[zulater]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/21/report-players-unlikely-to-vote-thursday-night/

Folks, there’s no way the NFLPA* will be approving the deal tonight or passing it along to the players for a vote. And once the league has to start canceling preseason weeks and not just one preseason game, real money is going to disappear — and the chances of getting a deal done will diminish.

[Chidi29]

I just don't know what you guys want the owners to do.

You guys are so biased against the NFL, of course by making these claims you're also implying that the Rooney's are involved in this "dirty pool" a strong accusation to make against the family, that they can't do any right in your eyes.

[zulater]

Adam Shefter said this is like coming to terms on a car and then blowing up the deal on account of the floor mats.

[steeldevil]

Apparently the NFLPA is thinking about suing the NFL for coercion....

[zulater]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/21/de-smith-shouldnt-be-surprised-about-new-revenue-sharing-arrangement/

De Smith shouldn’t be surprised about new revenue sharing arrangement

Posted by Mike Florio on July 21, 2011, 9:02 PM EDT

AP
One of the surprising aspects of the NFL’s Thursday night press conference arose when the league mentioned that the owners approved a new supplemental revenue sharing plan. It was surprising because no one knew the NFL was considering a new supplemental revenue sharing plan.

Even more surprising was the concern expressed by NFLPA* executive director DeMaurice Smith in his e-mail to the player representatives regarding the owners’ supplemental revenue sharing plan.

“As you may have heard,” Smith wrote, “they apparently approved a supplemental revenue sharing proposal. Obviously, we have not been a part of those discussions.”

The NFLPA* hasn’t been part of those discussions regarding that issue because the NFLPA* showed no interest in that issue. All along, the elephant in the room was the league’s effort to fix revenue disparities by taking money back from the players. For reasons still unknown, the NFLPA* never pushed that issue.

So while there may be plenty of reasons to balk about the misguided power play that the owners have tried to pull, complaining about an issue about which the players previously didn’t care badly misses the mark.

[zulater]

Apparently the NFLPA is thinking about suing the NFL for coercion....

How can that be, the NFLPA doesn't even exist.

:chuckle:

If they do that they'll lose their constiuency, because do that and they'll be no 2011 season.

[Chidi29]

Apparently the NFLPA is thinking about suing the NFL for coercion....

I'm glad the union's priorities are in order. Forget about the season, let's take it back to the courts.

Oh and by the way, the league is giving the players until Tuesday to vote on a deal. They have plenty of time to digest it and make a decision.

[Chidi29]

And if the players think the deal is that terrible, filled with a hidden agenda, then why not vote no and try to reach a deal you like? Why waste more time?

[zulater]

I'm glad the union's priorities are in order. Forget about the season, let's take it back to the courts.

Oh and by the way, the league is giving the players until Tuesday to vote on a deal. They have plenty of time to digest it and make a decision.

There wont be a union or trade association if they do that, the rank and file will revolt, because do that and there's probably no season.

[zulater]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/21/nflpa-fears-lawsuit-from-vincent-jackson/

NFLPA* fears lawsuit from Vincent Jackson

Posted by Mike Florio on July 21, 2011, 9:16 PM EDT

Getty Images
Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson is represented by a couple of the hardest charging agents in the business. Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod have engineered, for example, the recent holdouts of Darrelle Revis and Roddy White. Also, they threatened litigation on Jackson’s behalf last year against the San Diego Union-Tribune based on the suggestion by Kevin Acee that Jackson was broke.

There’s talk in league circles that the NFLPA* fears they’ll be the next target of the Schwartz and Feinsod hardball tactics. Specifically, we’re told the NFLPA* is concerned it will be sued if Jackson’s role in the Brady antitrust lawsuit is settled without Jackson receiving $10 million.

That’s why the NFLPA* keeps pushing the issue — and that’s why it continues to be a roadblock in a process that now has plenty of them.

Only one man can put this issue to rest. And that’s Vincent Jackson. If he truly wants nothing (as he supposedly said on an unverified Twitter page earlier this week), he needs to call a press conference and say so. Otherwise, we’ll assume he wants $10 million.

Hopefully, I won’t be sued for expressing that opinion.

[stillers4me]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1039621811/mark_espn_profile_cropped__586_x_625__normal.jpg
markschlereth (http://twitter.com/#!/markschlereth)mark schlereth



Think about this. If a preseason game is lost players stand to lose about $700 per man the league $200 million. Advantage players

[Chidi29]

There wont be a union or trade association if they do that, the rank and file will revolt, because do that and there's probably no season.

But remember that everything the NFL does is sinister. It all takes place in a small cave in Siberia, where Roger Goodell and Dr. Evil laugh maniacally.

[Chidi29]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1039621811/mark_espn_profile_cropped__586_x_625__normal.jpg
markschlereth (http://twitter.com/#!/markschlereth)mark schlereth



Think about this. If a preseason game is lost players stand to lose about $700 per man the league $200 million. Advantage players

Yes, the NFL is trying to keep the preseason. How dare they. Monsters, I tell you.

[steeldevil]

But remember that everything the NFL does is sinister. It all takes place in a small cave in Siberia, where Roger Goodell and Dr. Evil laugh maniacally.

Wrong. Goodell goes to Dr. Evil's Moon Base....

[X-Terminator]

But remember that everything the NFL does is sinister. It all takes place in a small cave in Siberia, where Roger Goodell and Dr. Evil laugh maniacally.

You mean they don't???

































Sorry, just wanted to add a little levity to an increasingly frustrating situation.

[fansince'76]

But remember that everything the NFL does is sinister. It all takes place in a small cave in Siberia, where Roger Goodell and Dr. Evil laugh maniacally.

Personally, I blame Arians. :chuckle:

[zulater]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1039621811/mark_espn_profile_cropped__586_x_625__normal.jpg
markschlereth (http://twitter.com/#!/markschlereth)mark schlereth



Think about this. If a preseason game is lost players stand to lose about $700 per man the league $200 million. Advantage players

Actually that's a very short sighted and incorrect way to look at things. Because in the proposed new CBA the players will receive 48% of all gross revenues, that includes preseason money too. So while it's true that the players don't get normal game checks in preseason, any money lost will shrink the overall revenue pool and thus the salary cap will be altered in accordance afterwards.

[fansince'76]

Folks, there’s no way the NFLPA* will be approving the deal tonight or passing it along to the players for a vote. And once the league has to start canceling preseason weeks and not just one preseason game, real money is going to disappear — and the chances of getting a deal done will diminish.

I kinda figured all along that this might happen, so ultimately I'm not surprised. If anything, I'm disappointed in myself for allowing my hopes to get up a little in the last week or so.

[Chidi29]

Personally, I blame Arians. :chuckle:

LOL

[stillers4me]

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1436803223/2011-07-07_10-51-44_84_normal.jpg
dkaplanSBJ (http://twitter.com/#!/dkaplanSBJ)daniel kaplanby marcbowers7



Gabe Feldman on NFLN right now suggesting NFLPA has a point league could be afoul of labor law by linking union status to deal

[fansince'76]

1982, here we come. :(

[Bluecoat96]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/sky-is-falling.jpg

[st33lersguy]

Why didn't the players like the deal, because they weren't given enough money because apparently the millions of dollars they make is not enough for them?

[SteelerEmpire]

No deal. Drum roll please... this stuff is gettin good now.

[Chidi29]

No deal. Drum roll please... this stuff is gettin good now.

I'd rather leave the drama to soap operas, not the NFL.

[stillers4me]

Why didn't the players like the deal, because they weren't given enough money because apparently the millions of dollars they make is not enough for them?

Yep. You got it. It's that simple. :rolleyes:

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1414752485/Mark_headshot_Kathi_normal.jpg
MarkKaboly_Trib (http://twitter.com/#!/MarkKaboly_Trib)Mark Kaboly



No #steelers (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23steelers) will show up at facility on saturday. No way. Its big ben's wedding day -- PARTY TIME

[Carolina Steelers]

still no football, I thought by the time i went to bed tonight all this would be behind us. Man this thing may drag out for weeks now or months. The owners were shaking hands and smiling like this deal would be a slam dunk. Oh well off to Charolette tomorrow to see Hines Sat. afternoon at least i got that to look forward to!!!

[memphissteelergirl]

*Sigh*

[SteelerEmpire]

Their saying on the NFL channel that a deal could still be done before the end of the day friday... c wat hapns...

[steelerfan]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1414752485/Mark_headshot_Kathi_normal.jpg
MarkKaboly_Trib (http://twitter.com/#!/MarkKaboly_Trib)Mark Kaboly



No #steelers (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23steelers) will show up at facility on saturday. No way. Its big ben's wedding day -- PARTY TIME




Yeah, like I'm sure James Harrison will get a invite :-)

[Edman]

If the players don't want to play, so be it.

I'm personally glad the NFL keeps jerking around. Unlike in years past, I'm not in a drastic hurry for the season to start. The Bucs are keeping things busy.

[Steeldude]

any news on the new rules? rookie cap? i hope they got one. rookies are overpaid. IMO, you have to prove what you are worth before getting the big money

[venom]

Ryan Clark on MIKE and MIKE in the Morning @ 9:30am

[Chidi29]

any news on the new rules? rookie cap? i hope they got one. rookies are overpaid. IMO, you have to prove what you are worth before getting the big money

I can't remember the specifics, I'm sure a quick Internet search will pull them up, but there will be only so much money a team can spend on rookies. The length of contracts will be fixed as well. I'm pretty sure it's four years for first rounders.

The only issue I ever had with rookie contracts were the top ten deals. Those were crazy. Everything else was reasonable.

[86WARD]

Four year deal with a 5th year option that has to be picked up after year 3 is the rookie length.

[86WARD]

Still a lot of details left out of this deal for the players. Not looking good...

Workmans comp...big deal. back benefits that weren't paid last year...320 million.

The owners are obviously playing a card to put the players in a negative light.

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1370365165/photo_normal.jpg
JasonLaCanfora (http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora)Jason La Canfora



Management Council informs teams 46 players will be active game day, not 45. No 3rd QB designation

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1370365165/photo_normal.jpg
JasonLaCanfora (http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora)Jason La Canfora



Team officials told facilities won't open Sat; if players ratified today earliest would open in Sun

[The Duke]

I can't remember the specifics, I'm sure a quick Internet search will pull them up, but there will be only so much money a team can spend on rookies. The length of contracts will be fixed as well. I'm pretty sure it's four years for first rounders.

The only issue I ever had with rookie contracts were the top ten deals. Those were crazy. Everything else was reasonable.

According to LaCanfora, Newton's deal would be around 35M for five years. Still high but way more reasonable than previous years

http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora/statuses/92048007058571264

[stillers4me]

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/407984660/schefter4_normal.JPG (http://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter)
@AdamSchefter (http://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter)Adam Schefter
Player reps emailed a letter to players saying, "We will meet again Monday to discuss our options and the direction we want to go."

[stillers4me]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1200189396/nfln_normal.jpg
nflnetwork (http://twitter.com/#!/nflnetwork)NFL Network



Heath Evans elaborates on the major sticking point preventing the players from ratifying the owners' proposed CBA: http://bit.ly/mPKsNN (http://bit.ly/mPKsNN)

[polamalubeast]

:ranger::ranger::ranger::ranger::ranger:

[salamander]

You know what, at this point I don't even care anymore. I'm sick of hearing about a bunch of billionaires and millionaires going at it against each other. If there's football, great, if not, oh well.


On a side note, this was my 2,000th post :lol:

[Craic]

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1200189396/nfln_normal.jpg
nflnetwork (http://twitter.com/#!/nflnetwork)NFL Network



Heath Evans elaborates on the major sticking point preventing the players from ratifying the owners' proposed CBA: http://bit.ly/mPKsNN (http://bit.ly/mPKsNN)

I have to admit, Heath Evans sounded very level-headed and smart about the whole thing. It really sounds like the major issue is the power of Good-deal to be judge and jury. That's something that really does need to be dealt with. I also liked the fact that they weren't thinking short term, but getting something they were comfortable with long term. That means, hopefully, that we will go a long time before another work stoppage happens.

[86WARD]

Not even close. Too many details not addressed and once the players work out what they want and approve it, it's got to go back to the owners. Pretty much at the lowest point we've been the whole time...

[Edman]

I don't care anymore, really. I'm not waiting on this crap to end.

If they have a season, they have a season. If they don't, they dont.

[salamander]

I don't care anymore, really. I'm not waiting on this crap to end.

If they have a season, they have a season. If they don't, they dont.

My thoughts exactly.

[86WARD]

Same...

[Chidi29]

I need the NFL. You guys have social lives and can, you know, talk to women. Football is all I got.

So owners and players, please end the lockout. For me.

[stillers4me]

I need the NFL. You guys have social lives and can, you know, talk to women. Football is all I got.

So owners and players, please end the lockout. For me.

:chuckle:

[86WARD]

Ha ha...

[steel striker]

Wake me up when there is football. I guess we should have known after most of the media thought this was just going to be an easy slam dunk.

[86WARD]

It will once the executive committee and Smith approve it...

[SteelCityMan786]

I don't blame the players for doing that anyway. My guess is they didn't want to take away attention from Kraft's funeral. But Commissioner Goodell, PLEASE STOP WITH THE PR STUNTS!!! That vote was a BLATANT PR stunt so you could get all of the fans on your side. How about actually give us notice that you have a deal in principle first before you vote on something. Especially when some portions of that deal were supposedly not even negotiated, and when the players union has had no chance to even recertify as a union. I have no sympathy to either DeMaurice or Roger. Both of them need to resign NOW.

[zulater]

It's all but over now, looks like players will report Wednedsay to their respective camps. Free agency is going to be insane this year!

[HometownGal]

It's all but over now, looks like players will report Wednedsay to their respective camps. Free agency is going to be insane this year!

Yep.

WASHINGTON -- There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel again.

After a roller-coaster week, NFL owners and players made big progress toward a labor settlement Saturday, according to sources on both sides.

The timeline for the NFL Players Association to recertify still needs to be worked out, but it was discussed. Also, there are the post-deal issues on benefits (including drug testing) and discipline that will be dealt with after union re-certification. But things seem to be on track again, and some of the bad feelings engendered at the end of the week have subsided.

Talks between the players and owners are ongoing, with the parties trying to build on the progress. Among the areas covered Saturday are the opt-out language, workers comp, injury protection clauses, and the process to finish a CBA with post-certification issues (benefits, drugs, discipline) if the union is reformed.

Terms of proposal approved by owners According to multiple NFLPA sources, there is no plan for an executive committee meeting or any kind of vote yet. But those things could come together quickly.

Sources involved in the negotiations also told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that they believe it's possible the league year will start by Wednesday and training camps could open by Friday. Depending on the timing of a full agreement being reached and Judge Arthur Boylan signing off on a global settlement, free agency and training camp also could open simultaneously, sources said.

Earlier Saturday, it was learned that the league no longer had to worry about placating the named plaintiffs in the Brady antitrust lawsuit. Requests for concessions for numerous players -- including but not limited to San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson and New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins -- remained earlier in the week. But Jackson and Mankins dropped their demands for $10 million to settle the suit against the league, leaving fewer obstacles to a new collective bargaining agreement that would end the four-month-old NFL lockout.

Read more at: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d820ede10/article/nfl-owners-players-make-significant-progress-in-labor-talks?module=HP11_cp

[siss]

Thats the NFL's gift to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Roethlisberger.

[stillers4me]

rumors all over twitter that this is coming to an end!

[steeldawg]

lets get it done boys! Get ready to ride the free agency rollercoaster.

[86WARD]

Monday...

[Steeldude]

According to LaCanfora, Newton's deal would be around 35M for five years. Still high but way more reasonable than previous years

http://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora/statuses/92048007058571264

so ridiculous. rookies shouldn't receive more than a million per year. prove what you are worth then get the money

[fansince'76]

so ridiculous. rookies shouldn't receive more than a million per year. prove what you are worth then get the money

The real key is how much Newton and the other first rounders will get in guaranteed money. According to that tweet, Newton will get less than half of what Bradford got a year earlier over the life of the contract as the #1 pick. Bradford got $50 million guaranteed for a contract with a maximum value of $78 million, so using the same ratio of guaranteed money/max value of contract (approx. 64%), Newton will likely see in the neighborhood of $20-$22 million guaranteed of that $35 million. So he still basically won the lottery, just not the Powerball.

[Steeldude]

The real key is how much Newton and the other first rounders will get in guaranteed money. According to that tweet, Newton will get less than half of what Bradford got a year earlier over the life of the contract as the #1 pick. Bradford got $50 million guaranteed for a contract with a maximum value of $78 million, so using the same ratio of guaranteed money/max value of contract (approx. 64%), Newton will likely see in the neighborhood of $20-$22 million guaranteed of that $35 million. So he still basically won the lottery, just not the Powerball.

yep and extremely overpaid. if was an owner i would scrapped the entire season. if the players don't like it then go elsewhere. there are plenty of people dying to play in the NFL for far less money. if the players want the owners' money then go buy a team.

kordell...i mean...newton is going to suck. the panthers were morons for picking him. didn't they draft two QBs in last year's draft?

[zulater]

I don't blame the players for doing that anyway. My guess is they didn't want to take away attention from Kraft's funeral. But Commissioner Goodell, PLEASE STOP WITH THE PR STUNTS!!! That vote was a BLATANT PR stunt so you could get all of the fans on your side. How about actually give us notice that you have a deal in principle first before you vote on something. Especially when some portions of that deal were supposedly not even negotiated, and when the players union has had no chance to even recertify as a union. I have no sympathy to either DeMaurice or Roger. Both of them need to resign NOW.

The players made mountains out of molehills, and got their panties in a collective twist over nothing of substance. The only thing new the owners introduced Thursday night was a revenue sharing plan amongst themselves, and that has nothing to do with the players.

[HometownGal]

Looks like we're almost there!!! :applaudit: :applaudit:

By all accounts, the painstaking NFL lockout will be lifted this week with the ratification by both the league and players of a new collective bargaining agreement. As much toil, acrimony and angst as this process has caused, once pen is put to paper and the 10-year deal is done, the process of it all will be history.

The next phase -- the phase of actual football -- will (finally) be the rage. Instead of conjecture on potential trades, which team is acquiring which free agent and what rookies will earn starting roster spots, we will have answers.

Let's take a look at what's in store for what could be one of the most historic (and hectic) weeks in NFL history:

» All signs indicate that the NFL Players Association will recertify as a union and ratify the CBA that owners already have approved. These procedures are expected to be final by Tuesday.

» If the union opts to recertify, players under contract can begin reporting to team facilities, possibly by mid-week. There should be some intriguing scenes in Cincinnati, Carolina and Washington.

Carson Palmer is expected to be a no-show for Bengals camp. No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton figures to be in the Panthers' facility early (that might not be the case for wide receiver Steve Smith). Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth -- likely ex-Redskins in the near future -- might or might not show (guessing McNabb does, but Haynesworth waits until right before the first day of practice).


» Terms of proposal approved by owners Questions also remain about if free agents will be allowed to go to team facilities to possibly vote for union recertification. This could be a nice little recruiting ploy for teams that might be interested in certain free agents. That player could show up to vote, "accidentally" bump into a few coaches and other team personnel, and have a conversation or two under the guise of a random interaction. Hmm ...

Read more at: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d820f2791/article/immediate-aftermath-of-a-new-labor-agreement-will-be-crazy?module=HP11_cp