NEW YORK — With the clock ticking toward NBA commissioner David Stern’s open-to-interpretation deadline of “by the close of business on Wednesday,” lockout negotiations resumed this afternoon with only the heavy hitters in the room.
Stern, deputy commisioner Adam Silver and San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of the league’s labor relations committee, were representing the owners along with senior NBA attorneys Dan Rube and Rick Buchanan.
Union director Billy Hunter, president Derek Fisher, executive committee members Roger Mason and Mo Evans were joined by economist Kevin Murphy and attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and Ron Klempner for the players.
The meeting began shortly after 1 p.m. EST, one day after the players indicated a willingness to compromise on financial issues (translation: accept a 50/50 split) in return for concessions on several salary cap-related issues. Click here for a rundown of what those issues are.
By saying “by the close of business on Wednesday,” Stern’s deadline has been interpreted to mean 5 p.m.
But it should be noted that different businesses have different closing times, and some stay open all night.
May regret writing this but I think we are now at the drop dead date envisioned by Stern. I can’t imagine the parties leaving the room tonight without a deal.
I agree. I think the players need to just cut their losses and take the 50/50 split