If you've been keeping tabs on the NFL Labor negotiations, you've undoubtedly come across the work of Andrew Brandt, a guy who is one of the best in the business of not only understanding what's going on, but also at communicating to the masses in ways we all can comprehend.
Today, Brandt layed out all of the scenarios that could occur at the end of today:
1. We have a deal
With the hourglass running out and the clock ticking, few see this as a realistic possibility. However, I continue to hold a flicker of hope for a new CBA in principle by tomorrow night’s deadline.
2. We have an extension
This is the second-most hopeful outcome. Everything is negotiable at this point, including the time of the deadline. Midnight on March 4th can easily turn into midnight on March 8th, March 11th, March 18th, etc.
3. Decertification
The union could decide to pursue the strategy of dissolving as a union and becoming, in essence, a "trade association" for legal purposes. This would also – in theory – empower the players to enjoin (stop) a lockout and file individual antitrust lawsuits against the NFL.
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Click here for the other three possibilities, as well as for the extended explanation of what all can occur. Are you still optimistic?