NFL labor talks broke down just hours before the latest contract extension expired today, putting America's most popular sport on a path to its first work stoppage since 1987. Despite 16 days of negotiations with a federal mediator, the sides could not agree on a new deal. The league said it hadn't decided whether to lock out the players, who, meanwhile, went to court to request an injunction to block such a move.
The NFL players' union decertified—effectively ceasing to operate as a certified union. The move means it no longer represents the players in collective bargaining, clearing the way for class-action lawsuits against the NFL. Immediately, players including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees filed an antitrust suit against the league. They also filed a request for an injunction that would keep the NFL and the teams from engaging in a lockout. (More NFL stories.)