As is currently being reported by the good folks at ESPN, a U.S. District judged ruled that the NFL violated an important agreement that is at the heart of the ongoing labor dispute.
U.S District Judge David Doty ruled that the league violated its agreement with the union in carving out $4 billion for itself in additional television revenue. The union had argued that the league was effectively stockpiling money to prepare for a lockout.
The league is trying to downplay this, of course. Says spokesman Greg Aiello:
"Today's ruling will have no effect on our efforts to negotiate a new, balanced labor agreement," Aiello wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
What's the heart of this matter? The players' union says that the league stockpiled money because they knew this exact situation would happen. That in turn means they were not forthright with their financials, and that there is more money than the owners care to admit.
It makes it tougher for the league to argue their position, and time is running out. It looks even less likely that there will be an agreement by Thursday evening. Stay in touch here to see what's going on.