Yesterday, the commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell, sent an email letter to NFL fans updating them on the status of negotiations with the players union for the upcoming season. In his letter, Goodell indicated that the union has left the negotiating table.
In addition to exiting the mediation process after three weeks, the union has started the litigation process against the team organizations. In an effort to reach out once more to the union, the league sent them another offer on Friday. According to Goodell, the offer was designed to eventually meet the long term financial demands of the veteran players while also not adversely impacting the veterans up front.
“The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years), “ Goodell wrote in his letter.
In closing, the commissioner remained optimistic and committed to finding a resolution to the negotiations. He also acknowledged that the fans are both appreciated for their continued support and that the league understands how important the fans are to the future of the league.