NFL lockout: Players say no statement coming today

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Although it’s possible that NFL players could vote today on a labor agreement proposed (and ratified) by team owners, the prospect of any immediate decision is unlikely.

Kevin Mawae, president of the NFL Players Assn., released a statement this morning saying player leadership is discussing the proposal, the settlement arrangement and the process for recertification of the players union. But he added: ‘There will not be any further NFLPA statements today out of respect for the Kraft family while they mourn the loss of Myra Kraft.’

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and many team owners are attending the funeral of the wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. She died Tuesday of cancer-related complications.

Under the proposed agreement, which owners have asked players to ratify by Tuesday, team facilities would open Saturday, and the league year -– along with free agency -- would begin Wednesday.

According to the players, they did not see the agreement before the owners voted on it. Player representatives from all 32 teams took part in a two-hour conference call after the owners’ vote was announced, but no player vote on the agreement was taken.

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-- Sam Farmer

Photo: NFL Players Assn. President Kevin Mawae, center, arrives at the NFLPA offices in Washington on Tuesday. Credit: Susan Walsh / Associated Press