The latest news from the NFL lockout appears to be positive. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith are meeting in Minnesota this week -- without other owners and players. The significance of that isn't exactly known but some believe it means the two sides have moved on from big-picture negotiations and are starting to hammer away at the details with the lawyers.
Let's hope that's the case. If it is, then we could be hearing news of a new labor agreement very soon, which could mean no harm to training camp, preseason or the regular season.
It's also noteworthy that Goodell is heading down to the NFLPA's version of the rookie symposium and speaking to the players. Goodell and Smith apparently went on a plane together from Minnesota to Florida, which suggests they have a healthy relationship.
That's good news for not only this set of labor negotiations but for future ones as well. It's important that the two sides figure this lockout out and also set the stage for continued labor peace.
So it's good news -- we think -- on the NFL lockout front.