De Smith: ‘Deal Isn’t Close’

My frustration level has officially peaked when it comes to the lockout. After weeks of positive rumors and reports that the two sides are getting close a deal, the latest report from Jay Glazer is that NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith told 50 Pro Bowlers that he hasn’t received a good enough offer from the owners to bring to the players yet. Smith also said that the recent reports about the closeness of a deal getting done is way off.

Now, I don’t want to be all gloom-and-doom about this, because Smith also said that he is optimistic because the two sides are in discussions, but this is a major blow to all the puppy dogs and rainbows we have been hearing over the last few weeks. Several other insiders, including Mike Freeman, Pete Prisco, and Albert Breen just to name a few, aren’t convinced that things are worse than everyone thinks, but in my experience, Glazer is almost always spot-on with his reports. He is one of the most informed “insiders” in the business, so if he says something happened, I believe him. The real question is: Is Smith using this to gain leverage in negotiations?

With all of the stories out there about the two sides being close, there is a certain amount of pressure to get this thing done soon. If the players turn down the offer, they are the bad guys for keeping the season from getting started. I think Smith is using this “leaked” story to show the public that the owners are still trying to get one over on the players. We are really getting into crunch time now, so this is the last thing any of us wanted to hear, but I wouldn’t give up all hope just yet. Let’s just all pray that the next report is