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TORONTO -- CFL president Michael Copeland says the ongoing labour dispute between the league and its players could prevent the regular season from starting on time. The 2014 campaign is scheduled to open June 26. But the league and CFL Players Association are at an impasse and a potential players strike threatens the season starting as planned. "Of course theres concern (about regular season starting as scheduled)," Copeland, who is also the leagues COO, said Monday. "I dont think we could be at this point in training camp and not be concerned. "But at the same time Id say Im hopeful because I believe in the strength of our offer. I think when the players have some more time with it, theyll realize its good for them to. Im hoping that can be basis of an agreement." CFLPA president Scott Flory didnt return two telephone messages Monday. The two sides havent met since Thursday. Copeland said no new talks were scheduled as of Monday afternoon. However, according to TSN, the CFLPA tabled a new four-year offer late Monday that was rejected by the league. The proposal reduced its salary cap demand from $5.8 million to $5.2 million, TSN said. The players also reportedly amended their revenue protection clause where it would have the right to renegotiate the cap in league revenues increased by $12 million in the third year of the deal. The players increased that figure to $18 million, according to TSN. The CFL and players met for more than 17 hours over two days last week. Both the union and the league tabled offers that were rejected by the other side. Training camps opened as scheduled Sunday but a players strike remains a strong possibility. Strike ballots have already been sent out but due to Alberta labour laws, the players wont be able to strike en masse until next week. Copeland said the league would welcome the resumption of talks as long as the "best and final offer" the CFL presented last week was the basis for discussion. "As we said to the executive, were certainly not closed to talking but it has to be talk thats within the parameters of the proposed agreement that we put on the table," Copeland said. "By all means, if the PA executive wants to dig into that a little bit deeper, wants clarification of certain aspects of it, wants to make suggestions based on the framework of that offer then were open to listening to them." In its most recent proposal, the players association called for a $5.8-million salary cap increasing three per cent annually with a $4.8-million minimum. That was down from its original demand of a $6.24-million ceiling and $5.84-million floor. Last year, the CFL operated with a $4.4-million cap. The union also wants a $15,000 ratification bonus for veterans and just one weekly padded practice during the season while maintaining its original position on pre-season and playoff compensation as well as pensions. It would like the elimination of the option year from CFL contracts, except for new players, and independent neurologists on the sidelines during games. The leagues offer calls for a $5-million salary cap (up from $4.8 million) and boosts the average player salary to $96,000 (up from $92,917 in its original offer). It also calls for ratification bonuses of $5,000 for veterans and $1,500 for rookies. The CFL contends the players salary cap proposal excludes benefits, pensions, pre-season and post-season monies as well as ratification bonuses. If those are included, the league argues, the cap would be well more than $6 million in the first year and result in six of the nine teams losing money. The CFLPA has also amended its stance on revenue sharing. Instead of wanting specific percentages of gross revenues, sponsorships and gate money, the players proposed allowing for a fixed cap for at least two years. After the second, if league revenues increased by more than $12 million -- excluding the Grey Cup -- the two sides would renegotiate the cap or the CBA would be terminated at seasons end. Under the leagues proposal, the salary cap would be renegotiated if its revenues increased by $27 million or more in the third year of the deal. "We want to get a deal done, we want to be in camp without this being a topic of conversation," said Copeland. "We want to focus on football." . Hamilton signed offensive linemen Mike Filer, Joel Reinders, Landon Rice and Carson Rockhill. . -- Marty Havlat scored three goals for the first time in nearly nine years, and the San Jose Sharks prevented Colorado from clinching the Central Division title with a 5-1 victory over the Avalanche on Friday night. . Team officials did not indicate the extent of the injury Saturday, simply listing Rose with "left knee soreness." Rose has played two preseason games without any sign of problems. The first NBA game in South America now will be missing its biggest star. .C. -- Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe is resigning after 13 seasons at the school. . - Kobe Bryant and LeBron James traded hugs, big shots and verbal jabs all night with warmth and humour.Charlotte, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams will not play in Sundays game at New Orleans after breaking a bone in his right hand during the teams most recent contest. Williams was able to finish out the Panthers 31-13 loss at Minnesota, but did not practice at all this week. The nine-year veteran will miss his seventh game this season, during which Williams has rushed for a career-low 219 yards on 63 atttempts.dddddddddddd. Tight end Greg Olsen, Carolinas leader with 61 receptions this season, is listed as questionable for Sundays matchup with a sore knee. He did practice on a limited basis both Thursday and Friday, however. The Panthers are expected to get defensive tackle Star Lotulelei back for this weekends tilt. The 2013 first-round pick, who has missed Carolinas last two games with a sprained ankle, is listed as probable. ' ' '
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