NFL – Last night, the NFL owners voted 31-0 to accept the proposed CBA (collective bargaining agreement). Oakland abstained. Now it’s up to the NFL players to obstain a majority vote in favor for the ratify the agreement.
Highlights of the new deal (via ESPN):
• Ten-year deal, through the 2020 season
• New league year would begin on Wednesday
• Players receive 48 percent of revenue in first portion of deal
• $120 million salary cap; team minimum 89 percent ($106.8M) as long as league spends 99 percent ($3.8 billion)
• Veterans earn free agency after fourth season
• Four-year rookie contracts, with team option for fifth year
• Lower rookie salaries, with cap on team spending for rookies
• Later training camps, no more full-contact, two-a-day practices
• Offseason team activities (OTAs) reduced from 14 to nine
Also – the NFL has officially cancelled the August 7th Hall of Fame game b/w the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams. It was the first preseason game of the year.
MLB – Series this weekend
Angels @ Orioles
White Sox @ Indians
Athletics @ Yankees
Mariners @ Red Sox
Blue Jays @ Rangers
Rays @ Royals
Tigers @ Twins
Brewers @ Giants
Nationals @ Dodgers
Rockies @ Diamondbacks
Mets @ Marlines
Braves @ Reds
Cardinals @ Pirates
Padres @ Phillies
Astros @ Cubs
Soccer – Copa America – Final – 3pm – Uruguay v Paraguay – Paraguay has advanced to the final without ever winning a match during regulation/extra time. In each of their five matches, they won their match in penalty kicks.
Tour de France – Andy Schleck won Stage 18 and now trails leader Thomas Voeckler by 15 seconds. Andy’s brother, Frank Schleck in third currently, trailing Voeckler by 1 minute, 8 seconds.
MLB Hall of Fame Class of 2011 – will be inducted on Sunday – Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven, and Pat Gillick
Michael Faridi's Sports Update 