The Hill News

Two GOP senators are leaning on the NFL to resolve its differences with the NFL Players Association to avoid a lockout next season.

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and George LeMieux (R-Fla.) wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith to encourage the two parties to focus more intently on their negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement.

"As with many issues that should be resolved in private negotiations, both your organizations have been canvassing Capitol Hill seeking support for your position should there be a labor dispute next spring," Graham wrote in a letter to the pair. "I encourage you in the strongest possible terms to settle your dispute without congressional involvement."

LeMieux wrote: "In the interest of the game, fans, and communities supported by NFL franchises, I encourage you to work collaboratively to resolve your differences to avoid a potential strike or lockout! ."

NFL owners are hoping to negotiate a new deal that gives owners a bigger share of the league's revenue and extend the season to 18 regular-season games.

The demands have led to a deep rift between the parties that seem almost certain, at this point, to lead to a lockout that could threaten the cancellation of the 2011 season.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka had offered to help negotiate through the impasse, a proposal which was rejected by the league. (The NFLPA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.)

LeMieux's home state of Florida is home to three NFL teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins. The Carolina Panthers find their homes in Nor! th Carolina, though the fan base extends into Graham's state, ! as does that of the Atlanta Falcons.

Both senators stressed the possible negative impact of a lockout on the economies of their states.

"[T]he NFL is an important economic engine in this country," Graham wrote. "In South Carolina many small and medium sized businesses and their employees are impacted by the league. In fact, numerous restaurants depend on the football season to make payroll for the entire year."