Although the NFLPA* hasn’t accepted anything yet, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says today’s vote of NFL owners means that team facilities can open in less than 48 hours.
“We will be prepared to open the training facilities beginning on Saturday -- this Saturday,” Goodell said at the NFL owners’ meeting. “We will then be prepared to start the new league year next Wednesday, subject to the full membership of the players ratifying the agreement and re-certifying as a union.”
So from Goodell’s perspective, the ball is squarely in the players’ court: The owners will be ready to go ASAP, but that depends on the players ratifying and re-certifying.
For his part, Goodell seems to think the players agreeing should be smooth sailing.
“The clubs approved an agreement that was negotiated with the players,” Goodell said. “We also approved a supplemental revenue sharing system for the next 10 years.”
Goodell said he’s been in regular contact with NFLPA* Executive Director DeMaurice Smith.
“I just spoke to DeMaurice probably 20 minutes ago,” Goodell said. “He’s going to go take care of his business.”