Labor Talk

From Mark on vacation:

In addition to Commissioner Roger Goodell's proposed crackdown on cheating and other prospective rule changes, the other main topic of conversation at the annual league meeting next week in Palm Beach, Fla., will be the potential labor confrontation between the franchise owners and the players' union.

But for now, expect only talk, no action.

Either side can reopen the current labor deal by Nov. 8. Union chief Gene Upshaw says he expects the owners to do so in the fall. That would make the 2009 season the final one with a salary cap, and the 2010 season the final one in the labor deal.

There also could be talk at the league meeting about the down-the-road possibility of the league adding a 17th regular season game and shortening the preseason, and other possible measures for making the preseason more meaningful.

But it's unlikely that anything will be enacted on that issue in time for next season.

The league meeting officially opens Monday morning with Goodell's address to the owners.

By Emilio Garcia-Ruiz |  March 28, 2008; 11:52 AM ET  | Category:  League
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