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Jason Pottinger chose his words carefully, because this was the first time he could speak for himself, on the record. And the Ottawa Redblacks linebacker wanted to be sure his words delivered their full effect. "Its an insult," he said over the phone Wednesday after the CFL Players Association lifted its media ban, giving its members the ability to speak openly about stalling collective bargaining talks. For Pottinger — 30 years old and an eight-year CFL veteran taken by Ottawa in Decembers expansion draft— "It," is an all-composing term, referring to the CFLs reluctance to explore any revenue-sharing model, and the publication of the leagues newest offer Wednesday, which includes a "ratification bonus" ($1,000 for rookies and $3,000 for veterans) if the players agree to the leagues terms by June 2. "Its a slap in the face." "It" ultimately alludes to a negotiation process that has made no progress for months. Like most players, Pottinger has not directly been part of the talks. There is now a week left before the current CBA expires on May 29. Last week the CFLPA began mailing out strike ballots to its members. Pottinger has received his, and he has voted Yes. "Im hopeful," he said. "But the league has to start taking us seriously." For the most part, players have kept quiet over the last few months. The CFL made certain no one representing the league or any team spoke, threatening hefty fines for any league or team official willing to share any thoughts on the negotiations. And then today - after TSN initially reported the leagues latest offer to the players - CFL commissioner Mark Cohon released the offer on the leagues website along with an open letter to players and fans. The leagues offer includes an initial nine per cent increase on the salary cap — from the existing $4.4 million to $4.8 million — in the first year of a new CBA, and a yearly $50,000 increase over the life of a new five-year deal (putting the cap at $5,050,000). The league minimum salary would also be raised from $45,000 to $50,000. And the CFL would maintain a $450,000 annual payment to the CFLPA for "Player marketing and other rights." The proposal also includes larger active rosters, plans for limited amounts of contact practices, and the continuation of player pension, medical, and life insurance benefits. "The CFL offer strikes an appropriate balance of, on the one hand, providing significant compensation increases and health and safety improvements to the Players while, on the other hand, creating an environment in which the League and its teams can continue to build for a strong and stable future," Cohon wrote in his letter to the players. "I was surprised [the league went public]," Pottinger said. "This must have been their plan. We had an understanding that neither side would approach the media for 24 hours. [The players] gave that notice [Tuesday afternoon] and the league broke that understanding. They came in [to the proposed Toronto meeting place Wednesday] handed their proposal and walked out. Now is that bargaining?" Four hours later, CFLPA executives held a press conference and released their counterproposal. The crucial component of the players offer is $6.24 million salary cap partly determined by a revenue-sharing model, which would allocate 55 per cent of gross revenue from TV, internet and radio rights, 45 per cent of gross sponsorship revenue, and 40 per cent of gross ticket revenue to the players. "We advised the CFLPA in no uncertain terms that their proposal was not realistic, and would not form the basis for any financial settlement," Cohon said in his letter. "In fact, it would threaten the very existence of the CFL." "The league has only recently been upfront with us about their finances," Pottinger said. "This isnt just about the players now. This is about the players who are coming into the league, and who will come into the league. In five years, I will likely be out of the league. I want players coming to the CFL then to say Thanks for putting up a fight. CFLPA president Scott Flory also issued a letter to CFL fans Wednesday afternoon. "We are in not interested in destroying the game that has given us all so much. We put our bodies, hearts and souls on the line and seek nothing more than to be fairly paid for what we do," Flory wrote. Sources - players both close to the negotiations and outside of the meetings - have told TSN over the past few months that some kind of revenue-sharing scheme must be an integral part of any new CBA. But are the percentages in the CFLPAs recent proposal fixed, immutable numbers? Or a starting point that hasnt yet been properly considered? Pottinger, a businessman himself working toward his Master of Business Administration, paused when considering the questions. The terms "whats fair" and "fair share" were constantly repeated principles when players were advised to say little or nothing. The message wont change now. "In the end - and I know youve heard this enough times already - but we want whats fair," he said. "I want you to write this: Back in 2010 [when the soon-to-be-expired CBA was being negotiated] revenue sharing for the players was around 56 per cent. The league approached us and said they couldnt operate with a revenue sharing model. They told us the league wouldnt be healthy. They told us to be partners. We understood. We thought we were partners." "Now it just feels like take, take, take." Players used social media to air frustration and show their filled-in strike ballots. Ones with NO crossed have yet to be seen. "In writing this letter, we the Executive, are still here where our negotiations were scheduled to be, working towards furthering talks. We need two sides," Flory wrote in his open letter. What is the timetable now? Does Pottinger expect to miss the first week of training camp? The first preseason game? The first week of the regular season? Is he ready to strike? "Im still hopeful for a new deal," Pottinger said. Trevon Wesco Womens Jersey . Dane Dobbie and Shawn Evans each had two goals and two assists for the Roughnecks (8-5), who outscored Minnesota 6-2 in the fourth quarter after being tied through 45 minutes. Curtis Dickson scored once and set up three more for Calgary and Dan MacRae, Geoff Snider, Tor Reinholdt, Karsen Leung and Matthew Dinsdale. Curtis Martin Youth Jersey . -- The way Ted Ligety carved into turns looked so easy. http://www.jetsrookiestore.com/Jets-Trevon-Wesco-Jersey/. This weeks Raptors Report puts a bow on Gays brief, 10-month tenure in Toronto and ponders how his absence will affect the teams offence. Are they a better team without him? In addition to acquiring some valuable cap flexibility, what impact will the four incoming players have this season and beyond? Click here for the Dec. Joe Klecko Youth Jersey . The attacking midfielder arrives on a free transfer from Spains Malaga. The 28-year-old joins Scottish striker Kenny Miller and Argentine midfielder Matias Laba as designated players on the Whitecaps roster. Dennis Byrd Jets Jersey . Jurrjens signed a minor league contract with Cincinnati in May, and was 2-3 with a 4.46 ERA at Triple-A Louisville. He has a 53-37 record with a 3.63 ERA in seven major league seasons, including five with Atlanta.CHICAGO - The Chicago Bulls closer is almost back at full speed.Derrick Rose had 17 points in almost 28 minutes and saw his first action in the fourth quarter as he comes back from a right knee injury 10 games into last season.Rose checked in with 7:22 remaining in the game and helped the Bulls hold off Charlotte 101-96 on Sunday night for their fourth consecutive preseason victory. He was 2 of 4 from the floor in the fourth and scored nine points, making five of his six free throws.With Derrick the only way hes going to shake the rust off is to play, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. So weve got to get him out there. The players have to get used to playing with him and he has to get used to playing with them and thats how you build chemistry with the team.Kirk Hinrich scored 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting and Pau Gasol added 15 points and 10 rebounds to boost the Bulls (4-2).The Bulls led by 18 during the first half and entered the fourth up 83-70, but Charlotte rallied to cut it to one with 1:30 left on Michael Kidd-Gilchrists three-point play. Rose answered with a jumper and, after the teams traded misses, Charlottes Gary Neal missed a potential tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left.We made a lot less mistakes in the second half, Charlotte coach Steve Clifford said.Because of that, Chicago needed Rose and Joakim Noah to finish the game. The fact both played in the fourth quarter was a milestone for Chicago.It felt good being on the court, feeling more and more comfortable, said Noah, who had four points and seven rebounds in slightly more than 24 minutes.Lance Stephenson and Kidd-Gilchrist led the Hornets (3-3) with 14 points. Stephenson returned to the Charlotte lineup after missing a game because of a strained right groin.I felt good out there, Stephenson said. I did not feel any ill-effects.That was good news for the Hornets, who have had an injjury-riddled preseason.dddddddddddd. Knowing that the season is less than two weeks away, Clifford said hed up his starters playing time.He did that, and liked what he saw.I think they responded good, Clifford said. They want to play.The Bulls played most of the night without guard Jimmy Butler after he sprained his left thumb midway through the first quarter. Thibodeau said Butler is day-to-day.TIP-INSHornets: Clifford said rookie forward Noah Vonleh (sports hernia surgery) has been cleared to return to five-on-five but hasnt practiced. ... Clifford said Charlotte is hoping guard/forward Gerald Henderson (right hamstring strain) could return by Thursday nights preseason finale against Indiana.Bulls: Sunday was the Bulls final preseason game at the United Center. Their next game in Chicago is their Oct. 31 home opener against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. ... Guard/forward Mike Dunleavy (left knee) returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday night against Atlanta. He had seven points in 30 minutes.STILL FRIENDSClifford and Thibodeau worked together on staffs with the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. Clifford praised the Bulls coach and said Thibodeau is one of his closest friends, but jokingly declined to share his favourite stories about his former colleague.DEALING WITH ITCharlotte has been without Henderson and Vonleh for the entire preseason, something thats impacted the Hornets preparations for the season. Thats just part of this league, Clifford said.GETTING BETTERNoah feels hes making progress as he gets further away from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent on his left knee during the off-season. Yeah, I feel a lot better than I did two weeks ago, Noah told reporters at Sundays shootaround.UP NEXTCharlotte will play Monday night at Atlanta.Chicago will face Cleveland on Monday night in Columbus, Ohio. ' ' '