Finally -- a decent reason to follow Twitter. No where on Friday has news been more aflurry on the lockout than n the social network for people with 140-character attention spans.
We're still in the middle of it now so I'll update this later but I've taken the liberty of compiling the story as it has unfolded on Twitter:
AdamSchefter 5:02pm via ÜberSocial
RT @AndrewSiciliano: Mort reporting NFLPA decertifies in federal court in Minneapolis
RayRice27 5:04pm via Echofon
Looks like we are about to get locked out
MikeSilver 5:04pm via Web
NFLPA just applied for decertification. Antitrust lawsuit in Minnesota likely to follow. Fasten your seat belts
ProStarSports 5:08pm via Web
Now the field shifts to Fed Ct where #NFL financials will almost certainly be discoverable and part of the public record, unless JDD seals
LeRonMcClain33 5:08pm via Echofon Man
I think it's about to Be a lockout....Smh and we are the ones playing the game every Sunday,blood, sweat and tears for our fans and tears
nytimes 5:10pm via The New York Times
NYT NEWS ALERT: After N.F.L. Talks Fail, Union Decides to Decertify
LATimesfarmer 5:10pm via Web
NFL reporters and fans about to learn more about federal courts than we ever wanted to know
ProStarSports 5:10pm via Web
Remember folks, #NFLPA #Decertification is to PREVENT a lockout; football can continue to be played, only NFLPA not technically a union
drewbrees 5:11pm via Twitter for Android
Not once have the players asked for more money during this negotiation. That is a FACT. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for us
NFLPA 5:11pm Via Web
NFL Players Association Renounces Union Status. Statement here: http://bit.ly
drewbrees 5:13pm via Twitter for Android
Past players sacrificed a great deal to give us what we have now in the NFL, and we will not lay down for a second to give that up
JasonLaCanfora 5:15pm via Twitter for BlackBerry
Judge Doty will be considering an injunction to prevent any potential lockout, as part of the Brees, Brady, Manning case vs. NFL which ... Will be aimed at challenging the league's anti-trust status. Likely looking at multiple court cases ahead
drewbrees 5:15pm via Twitter for Android
We have a responsibility and at some point you just have to stand up for what is right
JasonLaCanfora 5:20pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®
Mediator George Cohen says sides made some progress over 17 sessions but could not resolve "strongly held" differences on core issues
LATimesfarmer 5:24pm via Web
Until this all gets sorted out in the courts -- and that could take years -- I don't see anyone relocating to Los Angeles or building venue.
RavensInsider 5:22pm via Web
Litigation process could take a while due to appeals process to unfold after Judge David Doty's court, a friendly place for the players
The only ones who win w/ NFLPA dissolvement are the law firms that will represent both sides
Federal Mediator George Cohen: "No useful purpose would be served by requesting the parties to continue the mediation process at this time."
NFL says the union left a very good deal on the table
NFL (cont.): "It included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference."
John Mara: 'This is a very disappointing day for all of us. Their position has been take it or leave it.’
5:31pm via Twitter for Android
Let's go Caps and Nats! Your DCs only hope now there is no NFL. Not as if the #skins made us look good anyway! #usucksnyder
NFL players' union decertifies as talks break down, making league's first work stoppage since '87 likely: http://apne.ws/hCF8rA
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson just called labor negotiations a "learning experience." I certainly know what I've learned … #donewiththis
While we all struggle w/ rising prices, flat, declining or no income, the NFL/NFLPA can't get out of the way of their own greed! Sickening!
from NFL: "At a time when thousands of employees are fighting for their rights, this union has chosen to abandon collective bargaining...”
I am sorry.
De Smith; The players told me to go in and get a fair deal. And I don't know what is fair until we understand the economics of football
NFL statement on negotiations http://tinyurl.com/4q7oo3k
@NFLprguy From the same NFL that would not open the books and take the lockout off the table! See through that fans
5:39pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®
Jeff Pash details the NFL's proposal to the union, and says "no decision" made yet on a lockout. Owners also say support future mediation
#NFL statement: "clubs offered a deal that would have had no adverse financial impact upon veteran players
#NFL statement: league had "an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference"
Lack of NFL deal came down to league not allowing players to see team by team financials.
#NFL statement: league would have established legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over next two years)
Rep agmts still valid but no restrictions on agent poaching RT @LATimesfarmer: With no union to oversee agents, is every player up 4 grabs?
Jim Quinn said owners wanted to roll back players' compensation to 2007 levels
#Ravens' Fabian Washington: "At this point, we really don’t know if we’re going to have a season this year.
Text on #NFLPA homepage: Error 404: Football Not Found. Please be patient as we work on resolving this. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Source: The NFLPA has filed a lawsuit against the NFL seeking to stop the league from locking out the players.
On whether there will be a lockout, Fabian Washington said: "Definitely. Why wouldn’t they? I definitely see it coming in the near future.”
6:06pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®
I am shocked that the union has walked away from mediation n collective bargaining after the 16 - 4 format they wanted was offered today.WOW.
Several players, including Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Osi Umenyiora, have filed antitrust legislation against the NFL.