Momentum Shift

Goodell Says CBA Has Swung Toward Players

In some of his strongest statements to date, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the current CBA “has swung considerably toward the players.” With the economy the focal point during the owners meetings in Palm Beach, Goodell added, “In the economy we have now, that can really (have) a significant impact on clubs. We have rising costs. The economics of operating a team are extremely thin margins.” Upon hearing the remarks, NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw said he’ll wait to “see what ‘thin’ means.” Goodell’s comments were echoed by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, who recently laid off members of his staff. He said, “Certainly, none of us are as healthy as we want to be because player costs are so high.” Owners were so focused on the economy and markets, they brought in Goldman Sachs Chair & CEO Lloyd Blankfein to address them on Sunday evening.