The NFL and NFLPA on Thursday announced the addition of a federal mediator to their negotiations surrounding a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Some were skeptical of what a mediator might be able to do because they don’t possess any real power in the negotiations while others, like me, were optimistic that this is a step in the right direction.
NFL, NFLPA Hold First CBA Negotiating Session With Federal Mediator
On Friday, the two sides met in Washington D.C. for their first session with a federal mediator. According to the Associated Press report, the NFL’s side included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, lead negotiator Jeff Pash and outside attorney Bob Batterman.
“We’re going to participate fully, and we look forward to working with Mr. Cohen,” Pash told The Associated Press.
The NFLPA’s side included Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, lawyer Richard Berthelsen, Pittsburgh Steelers backup QB Charlie Batch and former player Jim McFarland.
NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said: "We're not going to make any comments or talk about what happens in today's negotiating session."
Hope for good news, football fans. It’s not clear how long they’ll be meeting today but the two sides have reportedly agreed to seven consecutive days of negotiations.
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