Last Updated: May 19. 2011 1:00AM
'Time is running short,' NFL's Roger Goodell tells Lions fans
Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News
Allen Park — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took questions from Lions season-ticket holders via teleconference Thursday and his message was crystal clear: Both the owners and players need to get back to the negotiating table soon to avoid a disruption of the 2011 season.
"This will be resolved through collective bargaining and through negotiation," he said. "It is not going to be resolved in litigation. It (litigation) has delayed the process. It is important for us to resolve these issues to ensure a full season. We are making plans for a full season but time is running short.
"We need to get back to the bargaining table. The union has pursued a strategy that ultimately is bad for the game of football."
Goodell answered all manner of questions during the 30-minute call, including his reaction to the infamous non-catch by Calvin Johnson in Chicago in Week 1 last season. For the record, he supported the call and again went through the three steps to a successful catch (secure the ball, maintain control and complete the process).
What Goodell had to say on other topics:
On using replacement players: "We have not discussed a strategy of replacement players. It is not our focus. Our focus is to reach an agreement with our players. Replacement players is not part of our strategy."
On an 18-game regular season: "In our proposal to the players on March 11, we said we would implement health and safety changes immediately. We are aware of the impact (an 18-game schedule) could have on players and we wanted to make sure we address that by implementing these changes. We want to see the effects and evaluate these changes and then make a smart decision long-term (on the schedule). If we are going to restructure the season, we want to do it the right way. We won't do it unless we can, and that means not rushing into it this season."
On whether there is a deadline when an agreement must be reached before games will be lost: "There is no drop-dead date. But with this uncertainty, it's not just can we have a full season, but can we have the same quality of season? Can we ensure the competitiveness of the game? Can we ensure that our players are prepared to play? Do we have a reasonable free-agency period?
"There are a number of factors to consider as the uncertainty continues. First-year coaches don't have the ability to work with their players or implement their system. That has a negative impact. Without camps, it's going to impact the quality of football. That's why we need to get an agreement sooner than later."
On why Bill Ford Jr., with all his experience in labor negotiations, isn't more involved: "We have a 10-club labor committee that we call the CEC. But I certainly respect Bill Ford Sr. and Bill Ford Jr. for their history of labor negotiations and I speak to them frequently to take their expertise and whatever they can offer to help us. All 32 teams are incredibly involved in this process."
Goodell said he has had similar conferences with season-ticket holders of more than half the teams, thus far. He plans on speaking with all 32 teams, for whatever that may be worth, he said.
"There is no way other than at the table," he said. "These are not going to be won in public debate. They will be won at the negotiating table. A win to me is when all parties compromise. When all parties get what they need and not what they want. That's what we need to get back to doing."
Mediation between the two sides was halted by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. It is expected to resume in three weeks. In the meantime, a hearing on the NFL's appeal is set for June 3.
From The Detroit News:
Detroit Lions - NFL | 'Time is running short,' NFL's Roger Goodell tells Lions fans | The Detroit News
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