John Mara Is First NFL Owner To Take Part In Mediated CBA Talks

Day eight of the NFL and NFLPA federally mediated labor negotiations got underway in DC this afternoon, with the Giants President & CEO John Mara becoming the first owner to take part in the talks. With the clock ticking down to the expiration of the CBA at the end of the day Thursday, pressure is heavy on both sides to either get a deal done or extend the deadline, though both seem unlikely given the gulf between the two sides.

Jeff Pash, the NFL’s chief negotiator, stopped on the way in to make comments, the first time either side has made an extensive remark since the start of the federally overseen talks. Asked about the status of the talks, Pash told reporters, “We are at the mediator’s call because he is in charge,” referring to George Cohen, Dir of the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service. “I don’t know what issue the mediator will want to start on. One of the things that has not changed over the last few days is my fear of Mr. Cohen and violating his admonition of not commenting.”

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