Goodell, Smith celebrate new contract

Associated Press

CANTON

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith each grabbed a side of the massive 300-page collective bargaining agreement between the players and league owners and exchanged a relieved handshake while posing for the cameras.

And just like that, 41/2 months of acrimony, anger and posturing from both sides during the protracted NFL lockout was over.

Smith and Goodell signed the new CBA on a makeshift stage on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Friday morning, a largely ceremonial gesture after the players agreed to ratify the 10-year agreement Thursday night.

Still, there was a sense of relief from both Smith and Goodell, who shook hands three times during the brief signing and even hugged after spending nearly half a year in tense negotiations haggling over a new way to distribute the NFL’s massive revenue stream.

“We’re all relieved because football is back,” Goodell said. “That’s what our fans want, and that’s what we all want and we’re thrilled that we got it done.”

One fan shouted “thank you” to Smith as he took his seat, with Smith answering “more than welcome.”

Following the signing both men glad-handed their way to the NFL Network’s set inside the Hall of Fame Gallery. With the busts of Hall inductees serving as a backdrop, Smith and Goodell detailed the sometimes difficult journey to the new deal.

Neither pointed to a breakthrough moment in the lengthy talks, instead crediting leadership on both sides for being able to find common ground so the 2011 season could be saved.

Goodell said a small group of player representatives and owners did the leg work of putting aside the considerable differences between the two groups and focusing on the future.

“There was a tremendous amount of respect and an attempt to find solutions,” Goodell said. “Once we understood each other and we understood that that was what we were there for, we got it done.”

Both Goodell and Smith were vague on the possibility of HGH-testing. Smith called it “something to be strived for,” with Goodell adding ““we’re going to get it done but we want to get it done right.”

“I think the most important thing is always listen to one another and find solutions,” Goodell said. “One of the things I think we understand is that we’re better off working together, we can create a better environment for everybody, most specifically the game and our fans.”