PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
For all the back-and-forth rhetoric, lawsuits and appeals, everybody just wants to know the answer to one question.
When is the lockout going to end?
Ravens player representative Derrick Mason offered a ballpark prediction at Tuesday’s player workout at Towson University.
“I’m an optimistic person, but the way it’s looking I can’t see anything happening – not this month, not next month, which is June,” Mason told reporters.
“We’re talking July – and that’s a maybe. Hopefully we can put everything aside and get it worked out so we don’t miss football.”
If July is right, it would mean fans’ hopes of not missing any games would be answered. It would also allow for training camps to take place.
Players and owners had three days of mediation in mid-May, but once again no deal was struck. They are set to meet in court on June 3, when each side will present a 30-minute oral argument to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on the legality of the lockout.
Whomever wins that case will likely have leverage in negotiations going forward.
Mason was asked if the two sides have come any closer toward a new collective bargaining agreement
“No closer than it was three months ago,” he said. “It’s sad to say, but that’s the reality.”
