NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith spoke to reporters around 4:45 p.m. (ET) and issued an ultimatum that they need to hand over more financial information by 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Though he didn’t say it, the implication was that the union would decertify if a deal weren’t done.
NFL Lockout: DeMaurice Smith Gives League 5:00 P.M. Deadline
Here’s what he said on NFL Network:
"We informed the owners that significant differences remained, that if there was going to be a request for an extension that we asked for 10 years of audited financial records to accompany any extension. We told them please let us know by 5 pm today. We're gonna head back to the office. I'm sure we'll have further comment later on."
From the beginning this has been about the money and it still is. Both sides are trying to figure out how to divy up over $9 billion in revenues. Though there’s been some progress, particularly in the last week, it doesn’t appear they’re at the stage where they’re willing to strike a deal.
It’s up to the owners now. Open more of the books or face a legal fight from the union.
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