2011 Redskins Free Agent Rumors and Reports Thread

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I agree, that move would be out of character for him. And I can think of one big reason this story could have been invented and leaked to the media. With Manning as part of the antitrust suit against the NFL, he may have the legal standing to hold up the CBA. So somebody (not Peyton) probably started this rumor on purpose to put last minute pressure on the owners.

I doubt that would accomplish much, just as I doubt there's any credence to it. But I could definitely see either side resorting to some funny tactics now that we're at 11:59 pm in the negotiating process.

It appears Manning wouldn't have any legal standing to hold up the CBA. But practically, unless the anti-trust suit is settled the owners aren't signing off on the CBA. I agree with you, Irsay has been one of the rational owners and it appears one of the stabilizing forces behind settling the CBA. A little last minute squeeze on him by the players couldn't hurt their cause.

From the article:

NFL must satisfy Tom Brady antitrust plaintiffs to seal deal - ESPN

"If any of the plaintiffs were unhappy with settlement terms, they could object and opt out of the class action. That would not derail a settlement and would not, in itself, stop a new collective bargaining agreement.

But both the NFL owners and players have been working on a "global solution" that would include settling all legal issues surrounding their labor battle. And if the antitrust case is not settled, that could be a deal-breaker. According to ESPN legal analyst Roger Cossack, if any of the named plaintiffs opt out, the antitrust suit would remain alive in federal court."