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

When I see people who are in the know like Freeman and King sounding so optimistic, it really makes me think that things are starting to turn around. The meetings last week were reportedly positive, and if a deal is reached by July we should have no problems getting the season going without issue. I know I have been skeptical, so the fact that I’m starting to come around should be at least some indication that things are getting better. Again, I caution everyone to not to get too overly excited here, but you should certainly feel better about negotiations. Things are better