Sources are saying that MLS and the MLS Players Union are close to a deal guaranteeing that the season will go forward as planned.
Hat tip to commenter Ryan for pointing out this article.
Update 8:28 am PDT: According to SI.com a telephone news conference call is scheduled for later today with MLS President Don Garber, Union head Bob Foose, and mediator George Cohen. This likely indicates a deal has been reached.
Update 10:45 am PDT: Union chief Bob Foose outlines the three main gains for the Union: 1) Guaranteed contracts for most of the players; 2) Increased freedom of movement for players out of contract at end of season; 3) Increased compensation. The greater player movement comes from a new “re-entry” draft for players out of contract at the end of the season. Neither side is willing to go into the details about how the re-entry draft will work at this time.
Update 10:53 am PDT: Only Seattle and Toronto ran at a profit last season.
Update 10:58 am PDT: Landon Donovan says he learned a lot during this process and thinks that the relationship with the league will be better for players going forward.
If it’s not an EPLTalk exclusive, I don’t believe it.
Hooray! My tickets for Red Bulls/Fire might actually come in handy!!
And Landon Donovan quietly cries
So ownership finally caved and agreed to provide orange slices for the players at halftime, huh?
Update 8:28 am PDT: According to SI.com a telephone news conference call is scheduled
Credit where credit is due: It’s actually according to the Associated Press, not SI. It’s an AP scoop; they should get the credit.
If you want to listen in, should start in 5 minutes.
http://push2.jumptv.com/mls
MLS hack speaking now says they have over 100 journalists on the line.
“Flak” — that’s the insidery jargon you’re looking for. Well, I suppose he could be a hack, too. But it’s the 100 journalists who typically would be referred to as hacks (lovingly, of course); the PR guy would be a flak.
As a pr guy I prefer flack.
bad journalist = hack
bad PR guy = flack
bad doctor = quack
bad old NBA player = Shaq?
Sorry, I seem to have mixed up my insults. Thanks for the correction.