For what it’s worth, it sounds like the Hall of Fame game is in some serious jeopardy, and it’s to the point where many people I have talked to said the two sides are looking at the July 22 date as the target as opposed to July 15, which is what it would likely take for the HOF game to still take place. If the deal is in place by July 22, the season will happen in full minus the HOF game, and it looks like that’s where we are heading. Of course, every time we think something is a sure thing, the opposite happens, so I guess you shouldn’t give up on the Rams and Bears just yet.

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

“Quarterback Sam Bradford, offensive tackle Adam Goldberg, linebacker James Laurinatis, defensive end James Hall and center Jason Brown plus former Ram and New Orleans Saints tight end Ernie Conwell and DeMaurice Smith, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, flew to Joplin on Thursday and visited families staying in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center and Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium on the Missouri Southern campus.”

Also, the Rams organization has apparently donated $25,000 to the Joplin relief efforts. You have to applaud the organization and the players for getting involved in the community, especially when a group of people is in need. It’s nice to see leaders like Bradford and Laurinaitis, guys who are still pretty young, getting involved in these efforts. I know there’s not much going on during the lockout, but at least the organ