As contract negotiations between players and owners...

As contract negotiations between players and owners resumed for the first time since Aug. 14, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle said he would be willing to get involved “at the right time” to help avoid a strike.

But Rozelle noted: “To do it, I would have to be accepted by both sides.”

John Jones, a spokesman for the NFL Management Council, said three representatives from each side met for 4 1/2 hours at an undisclosed site in the Washington area. Jones added that Jack Donlan, executive director of the council, and Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Assn., would meet again today.

Asked if any progress had been made, Jones replied: “I’d say (Donlan) would be on a plane out of there if there wasn’t.”

Negotiations on the new contract began April 20, but little progress has been made on either minor issues or the players’ principal demand--for free agency without team compensation.

In another development, quarterback Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers, a non-union member, said he probably would play if there were a strike.

“I guess I’d want to hear what the rest of my teammates say,” Montana said. “But personally I would want to play.”