Rockefeller Wades Into NFL Labor Dispute

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) says greater transparency on the part of National Football League owners might help solve a labor dispute that has put next season in jeopardy.

The West Virginia Democrat, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, flashed a simple message to owners in an op-ed he wrote for the Washington Post.

“Show the union your books,” he wrote. “Don’t keep secrets. If there are financial pressures that keep you from agreeing to the revenue-sharing plan proposed by the players, let’s see the proof.”

The current labor agreement between the NFL’s owners and players expires in March. Failure by both sides to reach a new deal could result in a work stoppage.

Though lawmakers have been reluctant to become involved in the dispute, Rockefeller warned that a league shutdown would directly impact taxpayers and businesses alike.

“The prospect of a prolonged fight between owners and players has a direct bearing on the lives of millions of Americans who are caught in the middle.”

Click here to read more…