NFL officials, union pleased after day of talks

NFL officials, union pleased after day of talks
By Seattle Times news services
WASHINGTON — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch emerged with a smile and a positive outlook Monday after attending a fourth consecutive day of federally mediated negotiations between the NFL and the players' union.
"Things are going well right now," said Batch, a member of the NFL Players Association executive committee. "We'll see how things progress over the next couple days."
He didn't discuss any details.
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith left at 6 p.m., about seven hours after Monday's session began. NFL executives departed minutes after Smith. None would comment on the negotiations; Smith deflected questions by joking about the wintry weather, including snow forecast for Monday night.
After months of infrequent — and sometimes contentious — bargaining, the league and union have been communicating face-to-face for a total of more than 25 hours since Friday. The sessions are taking place at the office of George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a U.S. government agency.
Next week, just one day before the collective-bargaining agreement expires March 3 and a lockout would probably begin, NFL owners are scheduled to meet outside Washington, a spot that was picked to be close to the mediator in case the sides were still working with him.
The union has said it believes team owners want to lock out the players as soon as the next day, which could threaten the 2011 season.
Notes
• The Minnesota Vikings placed the franchise tag on Chad Greenway, backing up their offseason statements about wanting to keep the 28-year-old linebacker in purple.
Greenway has led the team in tackles for three straight seasons. He was chosen the team's 2010 defensive MVP and had 149 tackles. He will be entering his sixth season, including a rookie season that he sat out with a knee injury.
If the franchise tag designation stays in its current form in the next collective-bargaining agreement, Greenway stands to make nearly $10 million next season.
• The Miami Dolphins have hired three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bryan Cox as the team's pass rush coach, bringing him back to the franchise that drafted him 20 years ago.
• The New York Jets said 96 business-side employees would be required to take a one-week unpaid furlough each month until a labor deal was reached

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