NFL vs. NFLPA: Will a Referee Make It a Fair Fight?

ESPN is reporting this morning that the NFL and the NFLPA have agreed to enter into mediation facilitated by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, an independent U.S. government agency. ESPN NFL analyst John Clayton characterized the development as bringing in a mediator to “referee” the negotiations.

NFL vs. NFLPA Slugfest Is Bad News for Fans

The obvious question stemming from last week’s breakdown in negotiations between the NFL and NFL Players Association is whether the suspension of talks signals an increased likelihood of not just a lockout, but an extended lockout. Our behavioral analysis suggests the answer isn’t a positive one for football fans.