THE NFL "BACK IN BUSINESS"

As it Appears in The Washington Post

NFL back in business after player leaders recommend ratification of CBA

By Mark Maske, Monday, July 25, 12:53 PM

The NFL began reopening for business Monday after player leaders recommended approval of their new 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the league. The ratification recommendation, made during a meeting in Washington, came after representatives of the two sides ironed out the final details of the labor deal. In addition to the executive committee recommendation, the deal was unanimously approved by the player representatives from the 32 teams, according to the NFL Players Association. The nearly 5 month  lockout of the players will end officially if the labor agreement is approved by a majority of the close to 2,000 players, which is certain.

NFLPA President Kevin Mawae arrived Monday morning at NFLPA headquarters in Washington. Mawae and the executive committee were to be presented with a finalized agreement which could lead to the end of the NFL's lockout.

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith confirmed the vote in a brief set of remarks to reporters outside the organization’s downtown Washington offices. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and several owners arrived minutes later and headed upstairs for the signing of the agreement, and Smith and Goodell were to address reporters later.

The sport will resume operations in stages, with some signings of players to begin by Tuesday and some teams opening training camps Wednesday.
Rookies can begin signing with their teams Tuesday. Veteran free agents can negotiate with teams Tuesday but cannot sign contracts until Friday.