NEW YORK — Talks to end the NFL lockout will resume with the court-appointed mediator today and could continue through Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on Sunday on the condition of anonymity, because the discussions are supposed to remain confidential.
The mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, originally had ordered representatives of the league’s owners and players to meet with him Tuesday in Minneapolis. Now Boylan is expected to arrive in New York today to oversee talks aimed at ending the NFL’s first work stoppage since 1987.
The owners have a special meeting set for Thursday in Atlanta, where they potentially could ratify a new deal — if one is reached by then. Any agreement also must be voted on by groups of players, including the named plaintiffs in a federal antitrust suit against the league, and the NFL Players Association’s 32 team representatives.
Kirk captures Viking Classic
MADISON, Miss. — Chris Kirk earned his first PGA Tour title with a one-stroke victory in the Viking Classic, shooting a 4-under-par 68 to beat Tom Pernice Jr. and George McNeill by one stroke.
The 26-year-old rookie tied the tournament record with a 22-under performance over four rounds. He broke a tie with McNeill on No. 17, hitting a 140-yard approach over water 5 feet from the hole to set up an easy birdie putt.
The 51-year-old Pernice fell just short in his attempt to become the second-oldest winner in tour history, missing a birdie putt on No. 18. Sam Snead was 52 when he won the Greater Greensboro Open in 1965.
Mystics top Sparks in overtime
LOS ANGELES — Matee Ajavon scored 27 points, and the Washington Mystics overcame a 22-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Sparks 89-85 in overtime in the WNBA.
Soderling wins Swedish Open
BASTAD, Sweden — Sweden’s Robin Soderling defeated David Ferrer of Spain 6-2, 6-2 to win the Swedish Open for the second time in three years.
Footnotes.
Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard said he would consider playing in China or Europe if the NBA lockout doesn’t end.
The Associated Press
