It seems there was a collusion settlement as part of the new CBA.

It is being reported, that as part of the new agreement, payments have been awarded to the players after some 50 grievances were filed regarding owner collusion during the 2002 free agency period. The total dollar figure of the payments is reported to be $12 million.

Given the small figure on the payments, this issue was most likely a matter of keeping things in check.

I always thought that collusion talk during that period wasn't that realistic. Obviously, the union made enough of a case that the owners were willing to settle without a big fight. Maybe we'll find out more when the CBA is finally published.