Good morning, fellow Giants fans. It's hump day during a critical week in the NFL labor negotiations, and Wednesday and Thursday mark the most critical two day period in the lockout's span. Players are expected to vote on the new CBA today, and owners are then expected to (hopefully) ratify the deal in principle on Thursday at their scheduled meetings. If it sounds like I'm walking on egg shells, that's because I'm walking on egg shells. One wrong step, and BAM, egg all over the collective faces of--you guessed it--the fans. Let's hope cooler heads prevail and actually make this happen. Man, I sure am tired of writing about the lockout.
NFL lockout: Player representatives set to review, and perhaps recommend, virtually completed deal - The Washington Post
A virtually completed deal to end the NFL’s four-month lockout is expected to be presented to player representatives on Wednesday for review and possible recommendation of approval, several people familiar with the deliberations said Tuesday night.
The Associated Press: AP Sources: NFL players review parts of deal
The NFL Players Association's executive committee reviewed only portions of a potential new collective bargaining agreement Tuesday, with not enough information to warrant a vote Tuesday, two people familiar with the league's labor negotiations told The Associated Press. A full agreement in principle wasn't completed Tuesday night, as some had hoped it would be, and another person familiar with the talks said there was no guarantee a full document would be finished Wednesday, either.
Do eggs get messy when they splatter all over the place?
Giants' Osi Umenyiora can block NFL labor deal to resolve lockout, but will not, source says
Osi Umenyiora has the power to block any new deal between the NFL and its locked-out players. He just doesn't intend to use it. Despite Umenyiora's position as one of the 10 named plaintiffs in Brady v. NFL, the players' antitrust lawsuit against the league, a source close to the Giants defensive end said he will not block any settlement of the suit, which must be reached before a new NFL collective bargaining agreement is signed.
Hey Osi, thanks for that.
Staying in shape, sharing their stories - Bobcats/NBA - NewsObserver.com
With some NFL teams scheduled to open training camps next week, time is running out to reach a collective-bargaining agreement. New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks said he expects most of the players will be ready to go if and when the lockout ends. Nicks, who receives updates through his agent, said he has prepared all summer as if the lockout could end next week. He said he knows he'll be expected to come to training camp in shape, despite the uncertain situation this summer.
A healthy Nicks is absolutely crucial to the Giants' offense, especially with the Steve Smith and running backs picture being fuzzy. Is the Pro Bowl within reach? Absolutely, but staying healthy is a big factor.
With N.F.L. Deal All but Done, Both Sides Can Claim Gains - NYTimes.com
N.F.L. owners and players closed in on an agreement in principle Tuesday night on an expected 10-year labor contract. It would ensure that the 16-game season starts on time, give owners a bigger portion of revenue and limit how much money rookies can make.
Fans pay the price - NewsandSentinel.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
The National Football League's newest reality show-a.k.a. Lockout-is slated to close by week's end. And, like with all reality shows, the biggest loser will again be us-the fans. What's worse is that the sequel is already in production as the National Basketball Association is officially under a lockout while Major League Baseball appears to be next in line with the National Hockey League (one would have thought at least this league would have learned a lesson) waiting in the wings. The common denominator? Greed.
Well, we all know that, but we also will welcome them back with open arms.
BBAO: Packers making weekend plans? - NFC North Blog - ESPN
Multiple reports have suggested the Green Bay Packers are planning a meeting Saturday for at least some players, assuming NFL owners ratify a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on Thursday as hoped. Teams would technically be able to open their doors starting Friday, and they would no doubt aggressively begin preparations for training camp at that point.
Cowboys in depth: Will Romo turn stats into a Super Bowl? - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com
The newly married Romo, 31, faces a critical season. He must show he is more than a passer who puts up gaudy statistics that ultimately do not lead to titles.
When I think of Romo, I think of three specific plays--1) Fumbling the snap in the playoff game against Seattle; 2) Throwing that awesome interception against the Giants that paved the way for our Super Bowl run four seasons ago; and 3) Michael Boley slamming Romo to the turf last year. I also think of cocktails on the beach with Jessica Simpson. Is any of that wrong? You're thinking about cocktails on the beach with Jessica Simpson, aren't you?
Seventy-five ex-players sue NFL over concussions, report says - ESPN
Seventy-five former players are suing the NFL, claiming the league intentionally withheld knowledge of the damaging effects of concussions for 90 years, TMZ.com reported Tuesday. According to TMZ.com, the plaintiffs claim that "The NFL knew as early as the 1920's of the harmful effects on a player's brain of concussions; however, until June of 2010 they concealed these facts from coaches, trainers, players and the public."
Amidst all the labor negotiations, this is just an ugly blemish on the NFL.
Vonta Leach has Giants on his list - Giants Blog - ESPN New York
Madison Hedgecock played in just four games last season due to injuries. While tight end Bear Pascoe filled in admirably, the Giants have an All-Pro fullback who says he is considering the Giants. Texans’ FB Vonta Leach told SiriusXM NFL radio that the Giants are on his list if the free agent doesn’t re-sign with Houston.
I want to see what the Bear can do with increased playing time at tight end, and we know Leach can bulldoze. Just ask Steve Slaton.
Agent declares UFL to be dead | ProFootballTalk
Though today’s 12:00 p.m. ET press release from the UFL followed by a 2:00 p.m. ET conference call with Commissioner Michael Huyghue likely will serve the purpose of formally announcing a 30-day delay to the launch of training camp, one agent who represents players in the league privately has told us that, in his view, the UFL is dead.
You know what this means? One less option for Tiki.
Hopefully you'll be hearing from me later today about the players agreeing to a new CBA. Until then, Happy Hump Day.