Center Jeff Saturday, the Colts’ longtime player representative, expressed confidence to the Associated Press Sunday that the NFLPA and owners still can work out a deal.
“My hope is that everybody puts their egos down to the side and we get it dialed in,” said Saturday. “I’m hoping there’s pressure as fans and as people begin to say, ‘Let’s move this thing forward; we’re tired of hearing about it,’ that it brings more people to the table ready to get it done.
“I think all the guys on the executive committee and involved in the NFLPA have a good attitude about it. Guys want to get it done. We’ve just got to get it done. I feel like everybody’s just like, ‘Why are we negotiating now? What’s the hurry? We have until next March. Let’s just go play this season and see who balks first, who gets scared first.’ I think all of us are going to wait until the end. ... I think the best work gets done then.”
Meanwhile, the effects of having no labor agreement are hitting home for Saturday. Colts president Bill Polian has blamed the situation for Indianapolis’ inability to satisfy Robert Mathis, Reggie Wayne, and Antoine Bethea’s contract demands. All three players are skipping this weekend’s mandatory minicamp.