March 28, 2002

Statement from League Spokesman: 

We are fortunate to have four network partners who continually work with us to promote the NFL to the widest possible audience.  Our network discussions in recent months have covered a variety of topics, including a flexible late-season schedule, primetime playoffs, Sunday afternoon time changes and other issues.  We have decided this week - - in the interest of announcing and promoting our new 32-team, eight-division schedule - - to place flexible scheduling on the back-burner for this season and proceed with our normal Monday night format.

The 2002 NFL regular-season schedule will be released at 3:00 PM ET today.