Redskins' GM Bruce Allen: Lockout was 'necessary'

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen, a regular participant in the NFL labor talks that broke down last week, says the owners' decision to lock out the players was “difficult but necessary.”

Allen made his first comments on the lockout in a letter to Redskins fans posted Tuesday on the team's website.

“Unfortunately, the union's abandonment of bargaining and subsequent decertification led to the league's difficult but necessary step to lock out, something we tried hard to avoid,” Allen wrote. “We remain committed to getting a new deal done and believe that the fastest way to a fair agreement is through mediation and not litigation.

“We share your disappointment with the lack of progress. The offer that the union walked away from was fair and addressed many of the key issues, including a rookie compensation system, enhanced player healthy and safety measures, improved retired player benefits and compromises on the union's financial demands.”

Allen also wrote that the lockout “will not disrupt our preparation for the 2011 season or swerve our focus from the Redskins' objective -- WINNING.”