As talks collapse, Penguins owner Ron Burkle hopes "going backwards does not prevent a deal"

CBA talks have collapsed after the players rejected the owners yes or no offer, instead making a counter proposal centered around an 8 year CBA term (6 year opt) and 8 year contract limit. As expected the league quickly rejected the players offer and the rejection happened so quickly it was during Don Fehr's press conference where he tried to say the two sides were close to an agreement in what looked like a PR move after earlier in the day asking for mediators to be involved. About an hour later, Gary Bettman returned to the podium and made it clear the two sides are not close to a deal, in what was an emotional press conference from Bettman.

Penguins owner Ron Burkle along with owners Jeff Vinik, Mark Chipman and Larry Tanenbaum who joined talks this week, released statements minutes ago on the disappointment of the two sides not reaching a deal.