Nfl, Players Reach Labor Agreement
A month after signing television contracts guaranteeing at least $17.6 billion over eight years, the NFL and its players agreed Thursday to a collective bargaining agreement that ensures labor peace through 2003.
“It was in our best interests to preserve labor peace, so we can move ahead with other things, such as youth football,” union head Gene Upshaw said.
The salary cap, the centerpiece of the contract, was extended through the 2002 season.
In addition, players and owners may mutually extend the cap through 2003 and add an uncapped season in 2004.
As part of the agreement, the salary cap for 1998 will be $52,388,000 per team, up from $41.5 million. The percentage devoted to players increases from 62 percent to 64 percent by the end of the contract.
San Diego Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries is expected to announce his retirement today, nearly four months after suffering the most serious concussion of his career.
Humphries has been in the league 10 years.
The Washington Redskins signed ex-Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, 24, to a five-year, $21.4-million contract with a $5 million signing bonus.
The Redskins released 11-year veteran and former Eastern Washington star Ed Simmons, a mainstay at offensive tackle for most of the past five seasons.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice says he had no idea the spa he was visiting in Mountain View, Calif., Wednesday had a history of prostitution.
Rice says he simply went to get a deep-tissue massage when police arrived to shut the business down.
Rice said he was referred to the business by teammates. He believes it was a practical joke.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Cornelius Bennett was sentenced to two months in jail in Buffalo, N.Y., for sexual misconduct.