NFL Labor Deal Near?
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jul 13, 2011 3:20PM
The NFL labor dispute has dragged on since March and, while fans have been anxious for a resolution that will end the lockout, it hasn't had caused much in the way of withdrawal symptoms for football addicts just yet. It's when when teams don't report to training camp on time that we fans begin to fear that actual games may be impacted.
The latest word from league sources suggests it may not get that far, with growing belief a deal will be in place to be ratified by the league meetings on July 21. Said one NFL team owner, there's "no reason to believe it won't get done." A player who has been among the negotiators suggested the owners have yet to make concessions equal to those agreed to by the players, and clarity on any deal's imminence can't be determined until after meetings that begin today.
Should the two sides come to an agreement and ratify the agreement, teams and owners will also need to hammer out "transition rules" that outline the logistics of getting the league up and running again, including free agency, training camp dates and roster transactions. While current documents call for what will be a frenzied, short free agent period nearly all of training camp and preseason games will be preserved.
The one exception, however, impacts the Bears. The most likely casualty of the late start to the league year is the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH, which the Bears are scheduled to play the St. Louis Rams Aug. 7. That's supposed to be the kickoff to their preseason schedule, the day after enshrinement of this year's inductees, including former Bears great Richard Dent. Because of the early start to their preseason docket, the Bears were supposed to report to camp next Friday, which is highly unlikely given even the most optimistic time lines. While it'll be disappointing that the Bears can't play in the Hall of Fame Game, it's a small price to pay if the NFL season begins as scheduled come September. It's not like we're going to have the NBA to fall back on.