The NFL lockout drew closer to a conclusion Thursday as owners approved a new 10-year deal in a 31-0 vote. Meanwhile the NFLPA says it is reviewing the proposal closely before it responds, with executive director DeMaurice Smith already claiming several areas of contention such as workers' compensation remain unaddressed by the proposal. Owners have called for free-agent negotiations to start Wednesday, placing pressure on the NFLPA to vote to approve the new agreement by early next week.
See "NFL owners agree to deal with players", CNN, July 21, 2011