Is The NFL Lockout Almost Over?
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- After months of negotiations and near misses, the NFL lockout may be over soon. Although a deal hasn't been reached, it's cause to celebrate for some Ravens fans.
Gigi Barnett has more.
NFL players and owners call it "progress." Both sides say they're closer to ending the four-month lockout and deciding how to split up the league's $9 billion of annual revenues...but nothing concrete yet.
"We continue to work hard. We know our fans are frustrated and want to get it done. We'll get everything to the players when the time is right," said Demaurice Smith, NFL Players' Association.
"I'm hoping they get the deal done 'cause I don't know what I would do without football," said Ravens fan Antoine Clark.
The lockout has been a roller coaster ride for fans who attended a Ravens breakfast at the Maryland Zoo this weekend.
"By not playing, they're losing money so they're sitting there arguing about money when, if they don't play, look how much money they're losing," said Ravens fan Sharon Honeycutt.
After three days of discussions in New York, players and owners promise more talks this weekend. Sources close to the negotiations say the focus has moved beyond economic issues and on to other concerns like retirement benefits and compensation for injured players.
For Ravens fans, just the thought of football this season is good news.
"Now there's light at the end of the tunnel," said Ravens fan Joanne Hamburg.
The last time the NFL saw a work stoppage was back in 1987. With pre-season just weeks away, players say they will not begin any training camps until a deal is made.
The deadline to reach a deal before the season looms. The Hall of Fame game, which opens to exhibition season, is set for Aug. 7.
