$10 Million Added to NFL Retirees Fund

End of labor deal could lead to 2011 lockout

(NEWSER) - As the NFL deals with Spygate's embarrassment, an even bigger concern has appeared on the horizon: the league's owners voted unanimously yesterday to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, which could lead to a lockout in 2011. Commissioner Roger Goodell insists that there will be at least three more seasons of football before any interruption, reports ESPN. More»

Hall of Famer helped players get free agency during 25-year tenure

(NEWSER) - Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman who, during a quarter century as head of the players union, helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died at 63, the AP reports. Upshaw died last night at his home in Lake Tahoe, Calif., of pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed only last Sunday, the NFL Players Association said today. More»

If players agree, team facilities could open on Saturday

(NEWSER) - It's possible the NFL will be open for business again in a matter of days. League owners approved a proposed 10-year labor agreement this evening, and the 4-month lockout will be over if the players follow suit, reports USA Today . It's not exactly a cinch, however, at least from what anonymous NFLPA officials are telling Sal Paolantonio of ESPN . "We are not happy here," says one. More»

Hopes of a 2-game suspension dashed

(NEWSER) - Pittsburgh fans can forget any hope that Ben Roethlisberger will get off with a slap on the wrist. The league today suspended Big Ben for the first 6 games of next season for violating its personal conduct policy, reports ESPN . Some in the Steelers organization had actually feared an 8-game penance over the rape allegations. More»

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick, who last played in the NFL in 2006, will be eligible to suit up for the Eagles on Sept. 27, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. "Hopefully we can have a success story here that will be good for society in general and good for the NFL," commissioner Roger Goodell said today after meeting with the suspended quarterback and coach Andy Reid. "He is very genuine in his remorse." More»