Ward: "Would Be A Shame If NFL Misses Games Next Season"
ARLINGTON, Texas (KDKA/AP) - Hines Ward continues to have harsh words for the league and fellow players.
During the hour long Media Day session Tuesday, Ward said it would be a shame if the NFL misses games next season. Ward said both the NFL and the players "make way too much money," to put a season in jeopardy.
Last season the NFL generated almost $9 billion in revenue and the average salary ranged from $1.4 million to $2.4 million depending on the team.
The current CBA expires the first week of March and the union expects the owners to lock them out a few days after that.
The owners opted out of the current CBA in 2008, but the union wants to keep the current CBA in place.
The league is looking to decrease the percentage players receive of the $9 billion in revenue and expand the season from 16 games to 18 games.
Ward said "no player wants to play 18 games," and repeated his comments from earlier this season about the league and player safety.
"You're not thinking about the players' safety if you're trying to add two more games," Ward said.
Earlier this week, both the league and union were pleased with a judge's decision about the leagues' TV deal in the event of a lockout.
The judge ruled that the league will still be able to receive the $4 billion from the TV stations, and the union will receive $7 million in damages from the league.
