New Orleans Saints: Rookies To Take Big Pay Cut In 2011

Finally some progress on getting a new labor contract in place as it seems that most of the major issues including the rookie salary scale beginning in 2011 have been agreed on, according to New York Post sports writer Judy Battista.

After the new deal is completed top draft picks from the 2011 are likely to make about half of what those from 2010 made. Which is still a pretty good deal.

There are still several hurdles, like off-season workout’s, and a few other minor obstacles to clear before the NFL Owners will put it through a vote during their next meeting in Atlanta on July 21.

But we are so much closer to an end to this lockout then ever, and I can almost hear players pads slamming into each other during two-a-days.

I have learned one thing since the lockout has been in place, that is “never believe anything until you see it”. But the current news coming out of the labor talks have been mostly positive.

Some other notes to follow closely during the final stages of the labor talks, is the attention being given to the retired players, or should I say, the lack thereof.

On Thursday the retired players in the antitrust lawsuit, Michael Hausfeld, sent a letter reminding participants of a earlier letter which was sent out by Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy acknowledging the retiree programs needed to be addressed.

Hausfeld’s letter noted that when players decertified their union in March, they left on the table an offer from owners to improve retiree benefits.

Hausfeld described some retirees this week as being at the end of their rope, practically begging to be included in the negotiations.

It seems like the concerns of retirees is not something either side wants to deal with, mainly because the retired players are not in a position to be able to stop a deal from being completed.

Everyone needs to keep in mind that these same veterans, that both parties are ignoring right now, built the very foundation in which everybody at the negotiations table are arguing over. If it wasn’t for them there would be no nine billion dollars to squabble over.

LETS PLAY SOME FOOTBALL, WHO DAT LOVES THEM SAINTS!! WE DO GEAUX SAINTS…

Like what you have read? Give Whodatdish.com props by liking us on facebook, become a follower on twitter, or grab our RSS feed. Prefer an application? Apple users can download WDD’s free app here, and Android lover’s can get the free app here.