NFL, Players Resume Talks

The NFL and NFL Players Association met earlier today in Washington D.C., with hopes of moving forward in their talks to end the lockout. Sources described both groups as being in "deal-making moods," which could be a positive sign that the the 2011 NFL season will start on time.

This is the third consecutive week that the two sides have had "secret" talks in hopes of ending the lockout. The major subject of discussion this week is the amount of the revenue that will go to the players; the NFLPA has reportedly asked for 50% of the revenue.

One major positive sign from these talks is that lawyers were present for both sides. The presence of lawyers could signal that the talks are becoming more serious, and that some sort of agreement could be reached soon. At the very least, both sides appear to be trying to find a middle ground, which is good news for every NFL fan.

There is a possibility that talks could continue into Wednesday or longer. It is unclear why the NFL has prepared to extend the meetings, but more details could come from the extended negotiations.

Retired Players Try To End NFL Lockout

A new twist has emerged in the battle between NFL owners and players that could potentially eliminate next season's lockout. Four retired NFL players, including former Chief’s running back Priest Holmes, filed a federal class action, antitrust lawsuit against the NFL on Monday. These players hope their actions will break the NFL lockout.

One big development in this suit is the inclusion of draft-eligible prospects. College players awaiting next month’s draft are not represented by the union, and therefore cannot be held accountable for its decertification. However, the NFL lockout is affecting these players, and the suit argues that it is rediculous to hold a draft in April and then lockout the players drafted.

The suit appears to be in good hands, as it is led by attorney Michael Hausfeld of the Washington D.C.-based Hausfeld LLC. Hausfeld has a history of winning complicated cases such as this one, and could possible force the NFL owners into a corner. It is good to see that for the time being, there is some hope for an end to the lockout.

New Twists to NFL Labor Talks

The NFL Labor Talks have had several new recent developments which provide some hope that we will have professional football next season. Late yesterday, both sides agreed on a 24 hour extention, which extends the deadline and could also be a sign that a middle ground is becoming more of a reality between the players and owners.

It appears as if the players' union has gained the upper hand in the talks at the moment. It is now being reported that Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees are now backing the NFL Players Association's DeMaurice Smith, an unexpected and somewhat shocking move. Star players almost never side with the NFLPA, and this can only help Smith's side gain more leverage.

The owners are becomming increasingly more disorganized, and are also growing frustrated with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his inability to take immediate action. Goodell has frequently urged the owners not to let this dispute go to court, as the owners have historically come up short when these disputes are settled with legal action. Hopefully a new collective bargaining argeement can be reached soon, as both sides continue to negotiated.