from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

There was little in the way of characterization of Saturday's multiple phone calls: questions and answers. And as has been the case thus far, the less information being shared publicly, the more traction these talks seem to gather.

And so it should be. With the finish line in sight, it would appear to be a good time to put all of the childishness and churlishness aside.

Fehr will have to decide just how far he can push the envelope without leaving everything in tatters, including his own reputation. Remember it was Fehr who, flanked by some of the game's most influential players, insisted the two sides were achingly close to a deal. If that is so, the league's latest offer represents an even greater narrowing of an already narrow gap.

The league, on the other hand, will have to resist its standard response at the first sign of push-back from the union, which is to pitch a fit or try and discredit Fehr.

It is, in short, time to think big picture for once in this odious process.

It's a game, people, something that most involved seem to have conveniently forgotten over the past months. It's time to play it. Before it's truly too late.

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