NFL Players Association Decertifies

A week ago there was optimism in the air that a new CBA would be hammered out over the ensuing seven days between the NFL and the players association. The optimism caused both sides to agree to an extension of the CBA until 11:59 Friday March 11.

However, negotiations have gotten nasty over the past week. The players refuse to agree to an 18 game schedule, and the owners are refusing to open up their account books to show players how much they have and aren't budging on increasing player salaries.

Players Association President DeMaurice Smith told his players that they will decertify the union, which means that the players will no longer be obligated as one union. They then can sue the NFL on an individual basis under antitrust law, citing that they are being unfairly treated over their salaries.

Apparently it is the only way to avoid the lockout. Without decertification the union would be unable to sue until September. The lockout is now looming.