Just in case our dissection of the word “close” didn’t temporarily depress you enough, it’s time to pass along news that labor negotiations have likely ended Wednesday after a tough day.
Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that most the NFLPA* contingent began to leave the sessions sometime after 8:00 p.m. ET. Many of the owners continue to meet with each other, and it’s possible the two sides could reconvene.
The long session was described as “difficult” with “little progress” in the core issues. Smaller issues continue to be worked out, but Wednesday was “frustrating.”
We don’t have much more to add here that we didn’t already say.
At this stage, we don’t blame the fans out there that just want to be told when it’s over, although we do appreciate the hearty diehards among you who keep coming back for more. Football is a powerful drug.
UPDATE: While players were “on call” until after 10:00 p.m. ET, the two sides decided not to meet again. They will in the morning.