Court Cancels Mediation, Settlement Negotiations Continue

Starting a new thread on this because it looks like pretty big news. Judge Boylan has decided not to have the court ordered mediation next week and allow the NFL and NFLPA to continue their ongoing "settlement discussions"

What's the difference between the court ordered mediation and ongoing "settlement discussions"?

Fingers crossed.

Best I can explain it, it means the players are winning.

Honestly, I don't know how to succinctly explain it. Not as well as JoeRedskin could.

What's the difference between the court ordered mediation and ongoing "settlement discussions"?


From Florio:

This could mean that communications will continue, either in person or via other means, into next week and beyond.

It makes sense for the mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, to push the parties to try to settle the case now, before the Eighth Circuit issues a ruling on whether the lockout will be lifted. After a final ruling is issued, one side will have a lot more leverage. For now, the uncertainty can be used by both sides to strike a win-win deal.

That’s why, in our view, it’s incumbent on the NFL to be prepared to make an offer aimed genuinely at restoring labor peace, without regard to the concept of winning the best possible deal.

Next week’s mediation session has been canceled | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/02/next-weeks-mediation-session-has-been-canceled/)

What's the difference between the court ordered mediation and ongoing "settlement discussions"?

I think at the heart of it both sides are serious about trying to strike a deal vs being forced to sit in a room together and act like they are trying to strike a deal.

crazy, in mediation the lawyers ruled, now in "settlement talks" the lawyers are not around. I would have thought it would have been the other way around. Regardless, I think this has to be a good sign, as the court (ie Judge Nelson) seemingly would have had to sign off on her order for mediation being cancelled, and by that, I would think both sides must have at least seemed like a solution was possible.

From Florio:

This could mean that communications will continue, either in person or via other means, into next week and beyond.

It makes sense for the mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, to push the parties to try to settle the case now, before the Eighth Circuit issues a ruling on whether the lockout will be lifted. After a final ruling is issued, one side will have a lot more leverage. For now, the uncertainty can be used by both sides to strike a win-win deal.

That’s why, in our view, it’s incumbent on the NFL to be prepared to make an offer aimed genuinely at restoring labor peace, without regard to the concept of winning the best possible deal.

Next week’s mediation session has been canceled | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/02/next-weeks-mediation-session-has-been-canceled/)

Funny how this lockout has actually made good use of Florio's background as a lawyer.

Funny how this lockout has actually made good use of Florio's background as a lawyer.

Eh, he is still a pr*ck.

Funny how this lockout has actually made good use of Florio's background as a lawyer.

He is less useless now.