HGH talks between the NFL and the union have reached a point where people with knowledge of the negotiations believe a deal will get done. This is, by far, the most optimistic both sides have been when it comes to HGH testing.
Terms of a population study of NFL players have been agreed to and players will have their blood drawn soon. The results of those tests will set a base level for how to later do actual HGH tests on players. Those tests could start sooner rather than later.
Why did literally years of arguing, threats and counter-threats, Congressional involvement, and delays suddenly stop? Why did things become so productive? The reason is both sides sat down and, well, talked.
Over the past year or so, a series of face to face meetings between Commissioner Roger Goodell and union head DeMaurice Smith helped to smooth rough edges. The meetings became more productive as time went on.
But an even bigger reason was the series of meetings between several key NFL owners and several top union personnel, I'm told. There were several such meetings over the past six months or so.
People with knowledge of the situation believe those meetings moved things forward at warp speed.
The meetings helped crack a thick layer of mistrust between the sides and smoothed the way for what seems to be an imminent HGH testing deal. Adversaries became partners.
This is one of those situations where both sides deserve credit but it's also indicative of why threats or Congressional involvement don't always work.
The HGH talks made progress in the same way talks during the lockout did. A handful of key players were able to sit with a handful of owners, break the distrust, and move forward. The talks between Goodell and Smith, one on one, were also helpful.
While it would be silly to say it will be like this all the time, there are indications the tensions between the owners and players are receeding. Again, let's not be too crazy, but the relationship between players and owners are definitely getting better.
Talking works.
What a concept.
