NFLPA reacts to NFL press release

The NFL Players Association has reacted to the NFL announcement from earlier today that it's about to deposit $177 million toward player benefits with the decertifed players' union saying the league should announce that the lockout is over in its next press release.

"NFL players would like to thank the NFL for issuing a press release touting their contractual and legal obligations," the NFLPA said in an e-mailed statement. "If it wasn't for players, namely John Gordy, players wouldn't have any benefits. The next press release that comes from the NFL should announce that the owners have lifted the lockout, the ultimate benefit to players and fans."

Earlier today, the NFL pointed out its pending deposit.

According to the league, that will bring the total amount funded by NFL owners to $245 million.

There are no medical benefits during the lockout, though.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the NFL has nearly a $900 million lockout pool financed from savings by not paying non-health care benefits in addition to revenue that's being withheld from the teams.

It's $28 million apiece from all 32 teams.

Per the announcement from the league, owners will give the money to BNY Mellon to complete funding for next season.

"Ownership contributions fund player benefits that include the pension plan, group medical insurance, the disability plan, and the ”88” program for retired players with dementia or related conditions," the league said in a statement.

According to the league, owners have contributed over $2.7 billion for retired and current player benefits.

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson issued the following comment: "NFL ownership is proud of the outstanding benefits that NFL players have enjoyed in recent years and the improvements that have been made for retired players,. We have more work to do, especially for the retired players, and look forward to further improvements being part of the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement.”

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