Cowboys’ linebacker and player representative to the NFLPA Bradie James is optimistic that there will be football in 2011, but he fully expects a lockout.
"It's imminent, so it will happen," James said Monday, per ESPN Dallas. "It will be here before we know it."
A recent letter from NFLPA President DeMaurice Smith urged players to save their final three game checks from 2010 in anticipation of a lockout, which they believe will come on March 4, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires. The letter added that it had imposed an internal deadline for negotiations with the owners, and that it had already passed.
All of which seems to indicate that, regardless of how long it lasts, a lockout seems unavoidable. That said, James believes that the two sides will come to an agreement in time for the 2011 season.
“I have no idea how long, but in my true heart of hearts I feel like something will get done this summer,” James said. “Cooler heads will prevail. Everybody loves this game--owners, players--so it's all about what we do and what we love and giving entertainment to the fans. So we will be playing.”
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