DALLAS -- An arbitrator denied the NFL Players Association's grievance that sought to make teams pay health insurance premiums for active players after the current labor deal expires March 3.
Arbitrator Shyam Das ruled in the NFL's favor Wednesday.
The union filed the grievance in December, saying teams should have to continue to pay for benefits through Aug. 31, when the insurance plan year ends. The NFL argued that if there is no new collective bargaining agreement reached by the deadline, insurance would need to paid by the players or union.
Das' decision comes one day after special master Stephen Burbank rejected the union's request that $4 billion the NFL would be due from TV contracts be put in escrow if there is a lockout.
For more NFL labor news, visit http://www.NFLLabor.com
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
