This past Sunday morning in New York, around 11:00 am, the League representatives received a counter proposal from the PLPA negotiating Team. After about a 30 minute review, we were invited back in to the room. The League’s Committee members informed us that they were rejecting our proposal and that the proposal that we had just countered was their final offer. We quizzed them directly on one of our the key provisions, a choice offering an upward adjustment on the Revenue Thresholds causing less exposure (6.10 B) or a new taxation system that would not take effect until salary costs exceeded $500,000 occurred (currently less than $400k on average with bonuses). The expired CBA Cap interestingly allows for payment that would exceed that number by approximately $20,000 if all players were paid the Maximum allowable salary and bonus. The League’s Committee members had no idea and clearly were not interested in considering anything we offered. They did not even have the courtesy to review the proposal in detail.

The Executive Committee of the PLPA and the Player Representative of the NLL convened last night to give final review to the League’s last offer. The League’s proposal was reviewed with all the Reps in detail. To a man, the Reps agreed that the proposal offered by the League was unacceptable in many ways. A vote was taken by 13 player reps who unanimously approved the rejection of the leagues offer understanding that it could mean the cancellation of the season. These are informed and elected representative of the various clubs in the NLL. Should the results have been to approve the contract, the recommendation would have been made to the Membership to ratify the contract.

This morning in reading the Leagues press release, I was somewhat frustrated by Jim Jennings claim that the League will "look to work improve our overall business model". A model which leaves small market teams behind. Interesting how we offered a model during the multiple negotiations which lead to the expired CBA. REVENUE SHARING would be a great place to start folks. Our most important issue in the last CBA negotiation. We offered and fought for a CLUB Revenue Sharing program to assist smaller market teams in competing. The same small market teams are complaining once again that our contract will put them out of business. The owners continued to reject the system and are still suffering today for the inability of some small markets and new markets to compete while the rich get richer.

It is important to note that in negotiating our last CBA we chose to hire a seasoned professional to assist us in reviewing the leagues books in order to frame a proposal with economic terms that in his words "would allow the league to grow and the players to grow with them". Since the league claimed they were losing money, we offered minimal increases but created a system whereby our players could benefit as revenues grew. Our calculations have the league owing the players over $800,000 from just 2006 with 2007 numbers to be reviewed in January.

I think the most important thing to ask the your owners is the following: Do they realize that our Current proposal, 3 year term with and opt out after year 1 for EITHER SIDE, would allow EVERY CLUB to pay roughly the same salaries as last year. THAT IS THE Million Dollar QUESTION?????? If they say yes than why did they cancel the season. If they say no then they were not informed of our proposal, did not review our proposal and were likely planning on attempting to break the union.

Please remain involved and educated on the proposals. We will update you as events unfold. We appreciate your continued unwavering support!