Goodell Says It’s a Positive Players and Owners are Talking

In his press conference after the NFL owners meetings, Commissioner Roger Goodell said he believes the owners are determined to get a deal done with the players.

“We have a very strong view of the priorities, a very strong view of what we need to continue to accomplish in the negotiations, and a determination to get there,” Goodell said. I think the ownership is unified on that basis.”

“The ownership has a better idea of the framework (for an agreement),” Goodell continued. “It was a good day in that we had a full discussion of the issues.”

But Goodell cautioned that there is a lot of work still to be done.

“The agreement that we are focusing on has to address several issues. Those issues are complex. And it needs to be done in a way that’s fair to the players, fair to the clubs, and most importantly allows us to continue to have that full 2011 season.”

“I think it’s a tremendous positive that the principles are talking,” Goodell said. “Players and owners are talking to one another, negotiating, and I think that’s a positive step. Hopefully we’ll be successful in reaching an agreement that’s fair and balanced for everybody.”