The NFL has released an official statement on the breakdown of their negotiations with the players. In the statement, they refer to the NFLPA’ decertification as a “sham” and claim that the players have left “a good deal” on the table.
Here is what they say was offered to the players.
“It included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; ensure 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).
The union was offered financial disclosure of audited league and club profitability information that is not even shared with the NFL clubs.
The expanded health and safety rules would include a reduction in offseason programs of five weeks (from 14 to nine) and of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) from 14 to 10; significant reductions in the amount of contact in practices; and other changes."
As the NFL’s lead labor counsel Jeff Pash said today “evidently that was not enough.” The players did not offer a counter-proposal and have yet to respond to the owners’ claims.