Gotta take this with a grain of salt: "Owners have already said this is the best offer take it or leave it .."
Is there a scenario where the owners would say "We'd like you guys to vote on this offer, but if you turn it down we'll come back with a better offer."? And since the answer is "no" how can you put any stock in that statement?
The offer on the table is the result of a negotiation. The owners got the 17 game schedule in the proposal because they gave the players things they wanted in return. If the 17 game schedule is a stumbling block the players will have to give up some of the things they want in order to stick with a 16 game schedule.
Keep in mind that the owners ultimate goal is to make more money. If there is a way for them to make more money and keep a 16 game schedule why wouldn't they go for it? (expanded playoffs, keep the players cut at 47% instead of 48.5%, etc.)
AlbaNY_Ram
