The NFL and NFLPA decided to extend their CBA negotiations for seven days, getting back to the actual negotiating on Monday. While that is a good sign that the two sides may come to an agreement soon, there are still issues that need to be ironed out.
We mentioned earlier that the NFLPA wanted the NFL owners to open their financial records for examination. They even had the support of West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller.
Unfortunately, it seems that the NFL and NFLPA are spinning their wheels on the same issues.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita is on the union's executive committee and he called the NFL's data insufficient.
"We're being asked to give back almost a billion dollars, so it's important for us to adequately analyze and interpret the little bit of information that's been provided," Fujita said. "And ultimately, if they're unwilling to provide full audited statements, then we need to know what other information we need to make a sound decision."
George Atallah, the NFLPA's executive director for external affairs, was asked if not getting the financial records is a deal-breaker. He said, "In the face of an almost billion-dollar ask? Yes."
However, NFL executive Jeff Pash, feels differently.
"We feel like we've given a lot of financial information," Pash said. "And we understand they may have a different view. But I'm not going to get into what we've discussed with them this week."
The NFL and NFLPA have until Friday to come to an agreement or extend negotiations again. If they don't, the NFL could go into a lockout by Saturday.