Union head says players, NFL have "fundamental disagreement" on CBA

NFL players are "committed" to avoiding a lockout, the head of their union said Thursday, but he added that the NFLPA and league have a "fundamental" disagreement over dividing the NFL's $9 billion in revenue.

That's the big picture. From the Eagles' perspective, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith made the most significant news by disputing the NFL's assertion that teams can still use the franchise tag to retain stars, even if the collective bargaining agreement expires in March. The NFLPA advised agents of their view.

"You can franchise anyone you want by whatever date you want, but if there is no CBA, the franchise tag will be meaningless," Smith said.

The Eagles expect to use the tag to keep Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick, whose contract is due to expire. The NFL has said teams can still use the tag despite the labor uncertainty, but an NFLPA challenge could throw a wrench into those plans.

The issue appears likely to be a subject of negotiations, though the primary issue is how to divide the league's revenue. Smith said he believes owners are willing, and ready, to initiate a lockout.

"The players are committed to making sure that does not happen," Smith said. He pointedly added, "Only one side can lock us out."

Smith made it clear that the NFLPA would not accept an initial proposal that called for owners to get an additional $1 billion of revenues for league expenses before the rest of the NFL income is divided.

"It would be an understatement to say that there's disagreement. There's fundamental disagreement," Smith said. Citing the NFL's steady increase in revenue, team values and television ratings, he argued against giving a larger share of revenue to owners. "The business of football is probably the best business economic model in the country," he said.

The NFL, however, argues that the current CBA is one-sided and has drastically boosted player salaries while leaving too little for investments in things such as new stadiums. An 18-game season and more investments would fuel growth and leave more money for both sides, owners argue.

"If there is additional revenue coming into the league and the players are getting a substantial percentage of that revenue, you would expect it to flow into their contracts," NFL executive vice president Jeff Pash said Wednesday.

He called on both sides to intensify efforts to reach an agreement.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is scheduled to address the media Friday. Smith and Goodell are scheduled to meet Saturday.

The CBA expires March 3.