Canal Street Chronicles, a New Orleans Saints community

NFLPA approves deal. Done.

John Clayton and I reporting major progress in talks today. Players committee meet Mobday in DC to hopefully recommend approval.

One down, one to go. NFL owners approve CBA and settlement terms. Players now set for 8 p.m. conference call with reps.

We believe the overall proposal made by the players is fair for both sides and it is time to get this deal done. This is the time of year we as players turn our attention to the game on the field. We hope the owners feel the same way.

"Can confirm Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan is scheduled to start a vacation on Saturday. Interesting twist. Tomorrow's a big day, regardless"

Goodell has been roasted throughout this process by players and wisely has not engaged those insults, letting them fall off his back and staying true to course. Now he must work the room at these meetings to build consensus. His mission is to transfer the "shared sacrifice" message from discussions with the Plaeyrs to his Owners: to sacrifice their own self-interest for the greater good.

"It is now time to devote all of our energy to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will improve the game for the benefit of current and retired players, teams, and, most importantly, the fans. This litigation has taken the parties away from the negotiating table where these issues should be resolved. We remain confident that the appellate court will determine that this is a labor dispute that should be governed by federal labor law. But the league and players, without further delay, should control their own destiny and decide the future of the NFL together through negotiation."

Sources: NFLPA is bracing for the NFL to be granted a full stay of the injunction to lift NFL lockout until the appeal is heard.

One plugged-in person predicted NFL probably could get away with saying the League Year starts Friday, or maybe Monday, but no later.

Filed to NFL Network: NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says that if players show up to team facilities in the morning, they will be allowed in.