Since the NFL suddenly seems to be interested in what Congress has to say regarding the labor dispute, let’s hear from the Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation.
In a statement released Friday, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W. Va.) expressed disappointment with the events that resulted in a collapse of the negotiations.
“I think I speak for every fan by saying that I am disappointed that it came to this,” Rockefeller said. “I hope both parties can find a way to come back to the bargaining table and resolve their differences. As I’ve said before -- and still believe -- transparency and good faith negotiations should be able to solve this stalemate and avoid imposing collateral damage on innocent Americans whose economic livelihoods depend on professional football.”
The fact that the union has shut down and filed litigation in Minnesota doesn’t mean that talks can’t occur. Negotiations could resume right now, either before mediator George Cohen or before someone else or with no mediator.
Here’s hoping that they will.
And while Congress has yet to show a specific interest in getting involved, Senator Rockefeller could call the parties in for a hearing before his committee, and that could be enough to get the parties’ rear ends in gear.
If the nudge would help get a deal done, we’re in favor of it.
Senator Rockefeller previously has expressed a desire that the NFL open the books for the players, and he has urged the parties to work out their differences without Congressional assistance. Thus, failure to work out their differences ultimately could invite Congressional assistance.
