The NFL "is on the brink of an agreement that would
guarantee years of labor peace," according to Mike Freeman
of the N.Y. TIMES. Freeman: "High-ranking officials with
the N.F.L. and the union said this is the closest they have
been to an agreement during a negotiation process that began
last April and has had numerous ups and downs." Neither
side would discuss details, but Freeman wrote that the
league could announce an deal next week (N.Y. TIMES, 2/22).
MONEY TALKS: In Boston, Will McDonough wrote that the
NFL "went crazy giving away stupid money" to players this
past week, calling it "Exhibit A that teams now are
financially drunk with the power of television money."
Bills Owner Ralph Wilson: "The league turned the corner this
past week and is headed in another direction. Down."
Ravens Owner Art Modell: "We have some owners in this league
right now that don't know what they are doing. There's no
balance to what they are doing. They are throwing around
big money on guys that aren't worth it." McDonough pointed
to the Vikings' five-year deal with John Randle which
includes a $10M signing bonus and $9M of guaranteed money.
Wilson: "You give football players guaranteed contracts and
you will end up with flag football" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/21).
