Jeffrey Kessler Quotations

We were completely stunned, ... This decision was about as far off target as any that I've ever seen.

G-3 is done until a (labor) deal is done.

The owners want a new collective bargaining agreement? ... Well, we need to take a hard look at situations like this.

I would say this is all about principle. The principle here was to protect the postseason and preseason NIT and to keep it in New York. ... It will actually enhance the events and give them a greater chance to survive and be strong.

Playing a game with the NCAA is a rigged game. It's not fair, unrestrained competition.

We anticipate a complete resolution of the entire litigation. We reached an oral agreement on all the principled terms, but it is complex so we are going to spend today writing it all up.

When someone says it's not about the money, it's about the money.

We expect the owners to approve the deal because it is fair to all parties. The alternative is the end of the salary cap system in the NFL.

We saw Republic stock fall from $29 down to $19 and work back up to $29. But you didn't know where Republic stock was going to end up when this deal was finished.

Schools can't afford to do this. The prominent schools can't give up two or three home games for the prospect of maybe playing four games on a neutral court. It's financially impossible. It'd be end of the event.

Talks are as dead as a doornail. We've given up hope for the short term. In the long term we hope there is a deal, but for now free agency will go forward under the present agreement.

In the early 70's you had wonderful games and attention for two competing tournaments. Gradually the NCAA decided it was worth more and more money to drive the NIT into second class status.

I don't think the union has any intention to make a counter comment on the specifics. It's bargaining. There's nothing unusual going on. Both sides want to get a deal.

The union is delighted. The new CBA is a big leap forward for the players and means a fairer system for all. It also means seven more years of labor peace. Fans can now forget about the lawyers and owners and enjoy football.