A chronology of developments in NFL labor negotiations leading to the collapse of talks on Friday:
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2008:
_ NFL opts out of its collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association, saying its costs are too high and it needs givebacks from the players. 2010 season will have no salary cap.
_ Union leader Gene Upshaw dies in August.
2009:
_ After six months without an executive director, the players elect Washington attorney DeMaurice Smith.
2011:
_ On Jan. 18, union files collusion claim against owners regarding lack of movement of restricted free agents. Both sides meet for short negotiations one day before Super Bowl in Dallas.
_ On Feb. 5, the two sides meet for short negotiations one day before Super Bowl in Dallas.
_ On Feb. 14, NFL files charge against union with National Labor Relations Board for not bargaining in good faith because of its plans to decertify.
_ On Feb. 18, Federal mediator George Cohen begins working with the two sides in Washington, sessions follow on 16 days between then and Friday.
_ On March 1, U.S. District Judge David Doty rules the NFL’s contracts with the TV networks to collect $4 billion even if no games are played in 2011 is “lockout insurance.”
_ On March 3, with the CBA due to expire at midnight, the two sides agree to extend the pact for another 24 hours.
_ On March 4, the two sides agree to extend the CBA for another week.
_ On Friday, with the two sides unable reach a deal on a range of issues, the NFLPA decertifies, giving up its right to represent the players and moving the NFL toward its first work stoppage since 1987. That means no team workouts, and, if the labor strife lasts long enough, no games in 2011.
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