Over the past few weeks, encouraging signs of progress have emerged from the protracted labor dispute between the players and the owners, which is now currently going on 110 days and counting.

Both sides seem to have reached an understanding that to simply hold out in their respective trenches is not a feasible option given the current economic climate gripping the USA, and the lackluster level of empathy from fans thus far for either the players or the owners.

But just as it seemed a new collective bargaining agreement would be forthcoming soon, the latest information to hit the wire seems to toss a giant sized pail of water on the likelihood of a deal coming together anytime soon.

According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, a semi-secret conference call took place recently between 50 top level players and NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith, in which Smith essentially stated that a new agreement is not forthcoming as of right now and a new labor deal isn’t close to fruition.

While it’s entirely possible that Smith was simply using the conference call as a negotiating tactic, trying to maintain a sense of defiance so as to keep the owners from thinking the players have completely caved on their position, it’s also possible that the two sides are still miles apart and won’t have an agreement in time to prevent the loss of regular season games this fall.

In the end, only time will tell just how close the NFLPA and owners really are to reaching a deal, and given the way things have played out in the time since de-certification and the lockout beginning, I suspect both sides will do everything possible to ensure they come out of the fray looking like a winner.