Players are ready to go back to federal mediation

[Highlandfire]

I wouldn't think it matters that much, a mediator has no power to rule over decisions or anything. They just try to help the two sides reach a mutually acceptable deal.

If this was arbitration or something, then yeah. But mediation is nothing to worry about from the owner's perspective.

Incorrect, the federal mediator CAN have legal power over proceedings

[carolinashawn]

I think the judge is giving the owners enough rope to hang themselves by not forcing them to federal mediation, but suggesting that's what they should do and making it pretty clear she's leaning towards the players right now.

If the owners refuse to submit to federal mediation, then I think she will rule in favor of the players and grant the injunction. By refusing to submit to mediation, the owners are once again demonstrating that they are not dealing in good faith.

The owners and players realize this is the game being played by the judge, which is why they are doing all this posturing about returning to mediation... both have made a point of sending letters to one another today suggesting different forms of mediation, the owners don't want another judge overseeing the next CBA.

While you could be right, this is the senerio you do not want to happen. It this happen it will be appealed and there will be no football this year.

[Wither]

I don't think the courts should come into this, but whatever.

[Mr. Scot]

I don't think they HAVE to...

The NFL has so far been refusing to negotiate unless the union recertifies.

Granted, that could change, but they've been hardline so far.

[panthers55]

The NFL has so far been refusing to negotiate unless the union recertifies.

Granted, that could change, but they've been hardline so far.

Besides the obvious impact which would be that if the union recertfies the whole antitrust suit would be moot, there would be no guarantee that any agreement they would reach would be accepted by all the players since they are all on their own.

[PeteRozelle]

Correct me if Im wrong here...

When the Players went on Strike in 87, the Union decertified then as well.

I remember reading that they didn't recertify until 1993, 6 years later. The strike only lasted one month I believe.

Not sure if this is the same situation now...

pete