The sight of a crackpot with a “The End is Near” sign is usually met with jeers and mocking, but when it comes to the NFL lockout, it’s reason for celebration. Here’s the latest:
"The NFL told club executives they could be schooled in the ins and outs of the new labor contract as early as Thursday, and the players’ association summoned its leadership for a potential vote — the strongest signs yet the lockout might be nearing an end…The people said the clubs were told Monday that topics would include the 2011 NFL calendar, rookie salary system and guidelines for player transactions. They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the process is supposed to remain confidential."
One of the holdups at this point could be all the legal eagles and how the numerous lawsuits get settled. Here’s how that looks like it will work out:
"The sides in the NFL’s labor dispute are amenable to rolling the remaining issues that are most problematic — the settlement of the Brady vs. NFL antitrust lawsuit and the television “lockout insurance” damages case — into a global settlement, sources familiar with the talks told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.A global settlement would mean that those two cases, along with the retired players’ lawsuit and all other legal issues, would be dropped if the players ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, which is expected to cover the next 10 seasons. That would be the quickest way to get the lockout lifted."
At this point, it certainly looks like the Bears – Rams matchup for the Hall of Fame Game will be put on ice despite the Bears claiming they can be ready within a day. Stay tuned to Bear Goggles On for all of the latest breaking lockout news.