De Smith Says “We’ll Get A Deal Done”

In a joint interview moderated by Rich Eisen of NFL Network, Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith addressed various issues.
Most importantly, Smith was unequivocal regarding the status of the labor talks between the league and the players union.
“We’ll get a deal done,” Smith said, channeling Joe Namath. (Suzy Kolber is now hiding under a table in the green room.)
Goodell was a bit more guarded. “We’re certainly intending to get a deal done,” the Commish said.
Advantage, owners.
Bottom line? Smith’s willingness to commit to doing a deal means that he’ll have no choice but to take the league’s bottom line offer, whatever it might be.
Then again, it’s still not competely clear that Smith will continue to be the Executive Director. He has no contract. Some believe that Troy Vincent’s supporters have leaked details of the dispute between Smith and the union’s executive committee.
And questions are beginning to be asked about whether DeMaurice Smith has the chops for the job. His willingness to openly commit to getting a deal done would tend to support those who wonder whether his ability to charm at least 17 members of a jury of 32 NFL players will translate into an ability to shepherd the most significant sports union through one of the most important contract negotiations ever.