NFL Players Say They’re Not Tied To Deal Deadline

WASHINGTON – NFL Players Association president Kevin Mawae says his group is “not tied” to a Thursday deadline for getting a deal done to end the league’s lockout.

Speaking outside NFLPA headquarters, Mawae says Wednesday: “We want to go back to work, but we will not agree to a deal unless it’s the best deal for the players.”

The NFLPA’s executive committee and representatives of all 32 teams are meeting in Washington, prepared to review and vote on a full agreement – if they receive it later Wednesday. Members of the league’s labor committee are supposed to meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, so they could decide whether to recommend a finalized proposal to all club owners as soon as the documents are completed.

The owners then would vote Thursday; at least 24 would need to OK the deal.