We pointed out earlier that the court-ordered mediation process has no chance of succeeding without the involvement of the owners. Albert Breer of NFL Network reports that Commissioner Roger Goodell and “some of the owners” will participate in the negotiations that commence on Thursday.
Specific owners have not been identified. Members of the negotiating team are strong candidates to attend, including Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy, Steelers owner Art Rooney, and Giants co-owner John Mara (if he was able to use the court-ordered mediation to get out of jury duty).
Still, the folks at mediation must have “full authority,” which means more than the ability to pass along offers from the ownership at large. They must have the power to make and respond to offers without further consultation.
If they don’t, the other owners need to fire up their private jets ASAP.