Decertification?

The National Football Players Association (NFLPA) decertified at 4 PME.  This means that the players are no longer represented as a whole by union leader DeMaurice Smith.  Recently the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was set to end March 3rd at midnight, but was extended until midnight today to reach a new deal.

The issue at the head of the disagreement between players and owners remains the owners proposal to get $1.8 billion up front before splitting the remainder of the $9 billion of annual revenue.  Other topics that were being debated are rookie wage scale, 18 game season, and healthcare for retired players.  But, make no mistake the money is the main conflict. 

In an effort to communicate mediator George Cohen was brought in to try and solve the problem.  But, there was no agreement made today which ended up being the final deadline to make a deal with the NFLPA.  Many believe talks weren’t as productive as need be because of the non-established relationship between Smith and NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell.  Gene Upshaw who was the former head of the NFLPA had a longstanding relationship with longstanding former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, expediating the process with these two needed to get something done.

It is expected now that owners will lock players out and no movement will be made as far as free agency, signings, or trades (besides the draft).  Players are expected to sue the NFL in groups in an effort to get back on the field.  Clearly, now, talks are going from mediation to litigation.