Mediation Resumes in NFL, Players Dispute

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By DAVE CAMPBELL

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The NFL and its locked-out players launched a second round of mediation Thursday, this time under a court order to try and figure out a solution to their labor dispute.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft were among those on hand for the closed-door session at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis.

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith was joined by attorneys, linebackers Ben Leber and Mike Vrabel, as well as Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller. Smith greeted reporters as he approached the building, but he didn't respond to questions. Asked about his hope for the session as he hustled to the entrance, Vrabel smiled and joked that he just hoped he wasn't late.

The meeting stretched late into the afternoon and the two sides brought in sandwiches.


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