Lockout Looming

NFL AND PLAYERS' UNION COMING DOWN TO THE WIRE: The NFL and the players' union are coming down to the wire in trying to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, with no word of significant progress in the federal mediation session yesterday (March 2nd) as the old deal is set to expire at midnight tonight. Both side were set to resume mediation this morning, but if no deal is reached, the owners could lock the players out when the collective bargaining agreement expires. The union could also decertify before the midnight deadline to avoid a lockout, or the deadline could be extended. The biggest sticking point between the two sides is how to divide the league's revenues, including how much team owners should get up front to help cover certain costs, such as stadium construction. Other areas of negotiation include the owners' push to expand the regular season by two games while reducing the preseason by the same number of games, and benefits for retired players.