NFL owners have busy agenda at annual meeting

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The NFL is almost as busy during this early spring week as it is staging a Super Bowl.

The league’s agenda for the owners meetings includes discussing concerns about the collective bargaining agreement in light of the slumping economy and proposed rules changes.

Commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear Monday the CBA has become a key point of discussion. Amid speculation team owners could opt out of the current deal in November — freeing the way for a 2010 season without a salary cap — Goodell emphasized the potential need to restructure the contract.

Because the 32 teams have so much debt through loans — they’ve already agreed to collectively reduce the debt by $30 million — Goodell fears their ability to pay spiraling salaries could be compromised.

The NFL’s competition committee will present the following proposals to the owners:

n Reseeding for playoffs to give wild-card teams a chance for a home game in the opening round of the playoffs if their record is better than a division winner.

n Allowing one defensive player to have a communications device connected to the sidelines. This proposal was defeated last year, but has been modified to allow teams to designate backup players to get the device in case the primary is hurt.

n Using instant replay on field goals and extra points to see if a kick has gone through the uprights.

n Not allowing a player’s hair to cover the nameplate or number on the back of the uniform, an idea brought up by Kansas City.

n Eliminating the forceout on receptions at the sideline or back of the end zone, meaning a receiver must get two feet inbounds.

n Deferring a choice for winning the opening coin toss to the second half.

Sale of Dolphins approved:Owners unanimously approved Wayne Huizenga’s sale of 50 percent of the Miami Dolphins to New York real estate billionaire Stephen Ross.

Huizenga will remain as managing partner of the club for the near future, setting no timetable for when Ross will take command. Ross is spending about $550 million for his share of the team and will have options to buy up to 95 percent of the Dolphins.

Opening weekend schedule announced: The Indianapolis Colts will open Lucas Oil Stadium with a prime-time game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 7 — the NFL’s opening weekend.NBC will televise the game.

Also on the opening weekend schedule is a prime-time Monday doubleheader on ESPN, with Minnesota visiting the Brett Favre-less Packers and Denver at Oakland.

Previously reported was the Thursday night season opener with the New York Giants hosting Washington.

The rest of the NFL schedule will be announced later in April.

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