The 2011 NFL Combine in Indianapolis is supposed to be another step in the preparation for the 2011 NFL draft. While that’s what will happen, there will also be some labor talks going on in Indy.
NFL Calls Meeting With All GMs, Head Coaches At 2011 NFL Combine
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL has instructed all GMs, head coaches and one other high-ranking official to attend a meeting on Thursday in Indianapolis at 4:30 p.m.
At the meeting, the NFL is expected to debrief teams on any number of issues pertaining to labor uncertainty and football operations, including what to expect in the days leading up to the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, the manner of league business that will be allowed this offseason, and the type of contact that teams will be permitted to have with agents.
I don’t think this move necessarily has anything to do with the status of the negotiations. The league needs to prepare for the reality that there could be a lockout. If they didn’t make these preparations, and teams didn’t know exactly what is and isn’t allowed during a potential lockout, then there’s the potential for mass confusion.
Goodell is not expected to attend the meeting. Presumably, he’ll be in Washington D.C. for the final (for now) mediation session with the union.
As for the NFLPA, they’re conducting a meeting with all agents on Friday. A meeting with a select group of agents on Thursday was canceled.
See More:
