MINNEAPOLIS — The NFL’s lockout stays, a federal appeals court ruled Monday. That means the league likely won’t get back to business until June, maybe longer.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the lockout can remain intact until a full appeal is heard on whether it is legal. That hearing is scheduled June 3 in St. Louis, and it is before the same panel that issued this 2-1 decision.

The appellate court said it thought the NFL has proven it “likely will suffer some degree of irreparable harm without a stay.” It also cast doubt on the conclusions of U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson, who ruled April 25 the lockout should be lifted — only to have the 8th Circuit panel put her decision on hold four days later.

“The league has made a strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits,” the majority wrote.

The decision came on the same day NFL owners and players resumed court-ordered mediation behind closed doors for eight hours. It was the fifth day of talks in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, but the first since April 20.

Neither side would elaborate on the discussions, but they planned to return Tuesday.

“I think there’s still time to (reach an agreement) and still have great competitive football that you all expect,” Commissioner Roger Goodell told Buffalo Bills season ticket holders. “But time is running short. It’s time to get back to the table and get those issues resolved.”’

NFLPA president Kevin Mawae told The Associated Press he was disappointed with the decision.

“The ruling in granting the stay of the injunction means that the NFL owners can continue to not let football be played,” he said.

The appellate court said it would make its decision quickly, a “circumstance that should minimize harm to the players during the offseason and allow the case to be resolved well before the scheduled beginning of the 2011 season.”

With training camps just two months away and the first preseason game set for Aug. 8, there is restlessness around the league to go with the uncertainty.  READ MORE>>>