NFL Lockout 2011: It’s Do or Die Time in Labor Negotiations

While reports relating to the ongoing labor negotiations have been increasingly optimistic, it is now getting into crunch time for the two sides to reach a deal. In fact, if they want to save the preseason and start the season on time, they should work hard to get a deal done by this weekend. If they don’t, negotiations are going to hit an obstacle.

U.S. District Judge Arthur Boylan, who has been the mediator in the negotiations, is scheduled to start vacation Saturday… uh oh.

Both sides claim they are willing to stay in New York while Boylan is on vacation to continue talks, but recent history has shown Boylan’s presence in the talks has been nothing but positive. They really need to work hard and agree to something before his vacation starts.

Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith are joining talks Thursday and it is said they will be trying to finalize the revenue sharing deal.

We are less than two weeks away from the starting date of the first scheduled training camps. If the NFL is serious about not missing any games and getting the season started immediately, they need to put their heads together and get a deal done by the end of Friday. Goodell, Smith and Boylan will all be there to help, so get the job done.