"Respect for some basic player rights, not economics, is the real driving force behind the players' proposals. This negotiation is not about huge raises for players or massive new expenditures for owners. It is also not about unrestricted free agency. Rather it is about basic fairness for our members, and our ability to make improvements to a player system that is one-sided and unfair. It is unfortunate that MLS doesn't see the modest changes we have proposed as being good for the league, especially since until these changes are made, more and more quality players who should be playing in MLS, will not be doing so."

-- MLS Players Union executive director Bob Foose responding to MLS President Mark Abbott's statement that the league is prepared to increase spending by $60 million over five years of a new collective bargaining agreement. (Washington Post Soccer Insider)