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In a change from all of the posts related to the NFL lockout, I am feeling much more optimistic. Now, in fairness, I am an optimist in general, but the news and rumors I am running across regarding the lockout has been more and more positive. The latest bit of better news comes in a tweet from Daniel Kaplan of the SportsBusiness Journal, which says that the "expectation is for a framework agreement in about two weeks."
The positive news comes in multiple parts as well, as Albert Breer of NFL Network reports the following:
"The NFL and players plan to return to the bargaining table next week and both parties have been maintaining communication in between face-to-face meetings, another sign of the seriousness of these talks."
So we have consistent communication, even between meetings and a rumor that an agreement in principle is on its way. This would mean that training camp and the preseason would begin without delay. This is great.
There are, of course, still issues to hash out, including the money issue, but once that happens, it is believed that the rest will fall into place.
One piece that is being reported is still a sticking point is the judicial oversight for dispute resolution in the new CBA.This, though, will likely not be too huge an obstacle.
I am not yet ready to shout it from the rooftops, but I feel pretty confident from the reports coming out that we are well on our way to seeing football as we should.
It's about time.