You've probably heard the phrase "global agreement" thrown around in relation to the NFL lockout in recent weeks. Basically, it refers to an agreement that would cover all the current issues between the owners and players. There are three major issues that need to be hammered out. First and foremost is an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. That would set the rules for players movement, contracts, practices, virtually everything.
However, that's not the only issue. The two sides need to come to an agreement on potential damages in the TV money case as well as settle the Brady lawsuit. So when the owners specifically speak about a "global agreement" they want to to settle these lawsuits and get a new CBA all in one shot. Unfortunately, certain snags in the Brady case may prevent that and the owners reportedly could vote to approve the new CBA without settling the other matters.
In other words, there would be an agreement, but it wouldn't be "global." Whether or not that means that the league can open up for business isn't clear at this point. The players were expected to vote on all the same issues yesterday, but didn't.
CBS Sports is reporting that one of the stumbling blocks preventing the players from approving a new CBA yesterday was that Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson, both plaintiffs in the "Brady case," have continued to insist that they deserve $10 million in cash compensation as part of a settlement in the case.
The source in the article says that as of late last night, neither player's representatives had dropped their request and the NFL will not agree to pay them.
Both players have been negatively affected by the franchise tag, which they see as a restraint of trade and believe the owners owe them compensation. They are absolutely right about what the tag is, but the fact is that it was something collectively bargained by their union. Why the owners should now be liable for utilizing a device the players agreed to is hard to understand.
Reports were that last night the players did agree to conditionally approve a new CBA, but the condition was that the Brady case plaintiffs settle or drop their claims. Effectively, they've put the onus on those players now.
Mankins and Jackson may be frustrating other players with this delay. This week, Vikings punter Chris Kluwe called the Brady plaintiffs "greedy" and "douchebags."
"Sigh, and once again greed is the operative byword. Congrats [Drew] Brees, [Peyton] Manning, Mankins, and Jackson for being 'that guy.' #douchebags"