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SPORTS Monday 16 March 2020
NFL players approve labor deal, including 17-game season

By BARRY WILNER Malcolm Jenkins, one of
AP Pro Football Writer the most influential voices
By a close vote, with some in the union. "We must be
500 union members not par- committed to unifying our
ticipating, NFL players ap- current and former mem-
proved a new labor agree- bers. While I don't agree
ment with the league. It with the decision because
features a 17-game regu- of its negative impacts on
lar season, higher salaries, some current and former
increased roster sizes and players, I do respect our
larger pensions for current process and will push for-
and former players. ward accordingly."
The deal, which runs NFL Commissioner Roger
through the 2030 season, Goodell, not surprisingly,
was accepted by the 32 praised the players' accep-
team owners last month. tance of the new CBA.
The NFL Players Associa- "We are pleased that the
tion's membership spent players have voted to ratify
the last week voting on the the proposed new CBA,
439-page document after which will provide sub-
its executive board narrow- stantial benefits to all cur-
ly rejected it by a 6-5 vote, rent and retired players,
and the player representa- increase jobs, ensure con-
tives voted 17-14 in favor, tinued progress on player
with one abstention. safety, and give our fans
Clearly, there was some more and better football,"
strong player opposition Goodell said in a statement.
to this collective bargain- "We appreciate the tireless
ing agreement, though. efforts of the members of In a Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 file photo, Eric Winston, president of the NFL Players Association,
Many stars, including Aar- the Management Council speaks at the annual state of the NFLPA press conference, in Miami Beach, Fla.
on Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Executive Committee and Associated Press
J.J. Watt and Todd Gurley, the NFLPA leadership, both
spoke out against it. The to- of whom devoted nearly as it will become a reality in mer and current players," percentage dependent on
tal vote, among the nearly a year to detailed, good another season or so. he said. "Like any contested the length of the season.
2,500 union members who faith negotiations to reach Jaguars receiver Chris Con- negotiation ... the proposal —A reduction of the pre-
participated, was 1,019- this comprehensive, trans- ley posted his objections to also reflects trades with the season, initially from four
959. Ratification required formative agreement." a variety of items. counterparty which have games to three. More time
a simple majority — results After discussions with the "Players voted for a 17- to be carefully weighed off during training camps.
were announced Sunday union during the day, the game season," he said on and assessed across the —Upgraded pensions, with
— and there could be last- NFL sent a memo to all Instagram. "No extra bye entirety of the deal. Please the addition of groups of
ing resentment among teams Sunday night that week. A disproportion- be confident that I hear — previous players not includ-
union members, given how the league will open the ate pay increase that will loudly and clearly — those ed in past agreements.
close the vote was. 2020 NFL business season be less than promised be- of you who have passion- —Two more roster spots
"Can't believe we agreed on Wednesday, as sched- cause of the growth of ately expressed their per- per team's practice squad,
to that lol," Colts tight end uled, with free agency the leagues revenue. No spective that these gains with players having more
Eric Ebron tweeted. "We and trades. A delay had resolved player restrictions are not enough when freedom to move up to the
can only play this game been considered a possibil- or tags. Added mandatory weighed against, for exam- regular roster and back.
for so long and y'all didn't ity given league restrictions fines for hold outs that take ple, adding another game. Two more will be added
want everything we could on travel as a safeguard an accrued season from That position reflects how later in the agreement.
get out of it? ... 2030 y'all do against the new corona- veteran players. On top of some members have cho- —Narrowing the testing
better." virus. There was no imme- that this CBA cut benefits sen to weigh what aspect period for players for mari-
Ravens cornerback Marlon diate word on timing and for some players in shaky of the deal is important to juana use, plus lowered
Humphrey expressed dis- potential format changes medical condition. The them. "The fact is, however, discipline for using it; and a
pleasure about the turnout for the draft, scheduled for worst part is that 500 peo- that there are literally hun- reduction in on-field fines.
for voting. Las Vegas from April 23-25, ple didn't vote. We look like dreds of issues in any col- Adding two playoff teams
"Around 500 players didn't something that was also ex- a weak union to the own- lective bargaining agree- was not part of the bar-
even vote on the new pected to be discussed by ers and for this reason they ment that affect thousands gaining process, but the
CBA ...," he tweeted. "It's the NFL and NFLPA. will continue to try to low of circumstances and im- owners were able to do
good and bad to this deal. A 17-game schedule won't ball and take advantage pact thousands of current so without union approval.
I could see why anyone happen before the 2021 of players rights." and former players which That will occur this season,
would vote either way. I just season. The mechanics Earlier, NFLPA Executive Di- we must consider care- with only the top team in
think it's amazing guys don't for an uneven number rector DeMaurice Smith ex- fully." The gains the players each conference getting a
even care." of games — neutral sites plained the ins and outs of make in the new agree- wild-card bye.
Almost immediately, play- or which teams get nine negotiating the new deal ment in sharing "a bigger With labor peace for the
ers were urging unity, par- home games — will be in a lengthy "open letter" portion of the growing pie," rest of the decade, the
ticularly in the face of the worked out in the interim. tweet after the voting had according to outgoing NFL- NFL now will turn to nego-
criticism from within their Extending the season was concluded Saturday night. PA President Eric Winston, tiating new deals with its
ranks about approving the a nonissue with the players "The current proposal con- swayed the vote. broadcast partners. Results
deal. in 2011, when the current tains increases across al- Among those gains: of that, including digital
"The democratic pro- 10-year deal was finalized most every category of —An increase from the 47% media, should, as Winston
cess has played itself out," after a 4 1/2 month lockout. wages, hours, working con- of league revenues given mentioned, substantially
tweeted Eagles safety It has upset many of them ditions and benefits for for- to the players, with that grow the financial pie.q