AFL Players Union Exec Dir Ivan Soto Thursday "indicated progress has been made” on reaching a new CBA, according to Austin Lyon of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. Soto said, "The likelihood of a work stoppage has been reduced. The league has communicated with me and alluded that they will have something to present, maybe as early as today." Soto Wednesday said a strike was "likely." He noted that once he “receives an offer from the league, it would take about an hour to review, and player reps would have to approve the deal in time to avoid replacement players being used.” Lyon reports the AFL has “vowed to use replacement players” if a deal is not reached in time for the start of the season Friday night. The players and league are “trying to reach terms on a collective bargaining agreement, and the players are upset over low salaries.” Lyon notes most AFL players make $400 per game.” AFL Orlando Predators Managing Partner Brett Bouchy said that “offering refunds to ticket-holders for games involving replacement players hasn't been discussed” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/9). In Tampa, Brandon Wright notes AFL players on Wednesday “overwhelmingly voted in favor of advancing a possible strike.” During the '11 season, three "marketing" players per team “were paid $1,000 per week while the rest made $400.” All players this season are set to earn $400 per week, with the "exception of starting quarterbacks, who are scheduled to make $1,650” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/9). In San Antonio, Richard Oliver reports players as part of the labor discussions “have asked the league to open its financial records.” But AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz said that there are “no plans to do so.” He added players “have the absolute right to strike or do a work stoppage.” Kurz: “The owners then have the lawful right to replace them and put on a football game” (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 3/9).
