NFL players and league officials traded some pointed words Wednesday, sounding little like sides who are close to an agreement to end the ongoing 2011 NFL Lockout.
In a statement released to The Associated Press via the NFL Players Association, New England's Brady, Indianapolis' Manning and New Orleans' Brees said: "We believe the overall proposal made by the players is fair for both sides and it is time to get this deal done."
They continued: "This is the time of year we as players turn our attention to the game on the field. We hope the owners feel the same way."
In response, the NFL issued a statement saying: "We share the view that now is the time to reach an agreement so we can all get back to football and a full 2011 season. We are working hard with the players' negotiating team every day to complete an agreement as soon as possible."
I thought we were past all this public posturing and into the serious nitty-gritty of getting a deal done within the next few days so that training camps could open at least close to on time. This nonsense doesn't help anything.