The NBA and NBPA are waiting until after the results of the
NLRB decertification election are announced on September 12 to
ask owners and union members to ratify the new deal, but that is
not holding back reactions this morning.
UNION LEADERSHIP: Union President Buck Williams: "All the
hard work lies ahead of us. We have to put a lot of time and
effort into explaining this agreement to make sure the players
are informed." Williams, on the decertification effort: "There
is no chance in the world this movement will go away. These
insurgents are committed to the decertification effort. There is
no way they will retreat after taking such a hard-line position.
They will counter with some sort of attack. ... If this deal is
not ratified, it's beyond me" (David Moore, DALLAS MORNING NEWS,
8/10). NBPA VP Charles Smith: "I think this is a great deal for
us. I think we will be able to get this ratified." NBPA Exec
Dir Simon Gourdine: "None of the dissidents were involved in
this agreement. But as we convey the message, we will remind the
players and those that are close to them that we are still one
union and it's important we operate as one strong unit. I'm very
optimistic that as the word gets out, language from dissident
players will be less vitriolic" (George Diaz, ORLANDO SENTINEL,
8/10).
PLAYER REPS: ORLANDO -- Magic player rep Donald Royal: "I
can't believe that this deal won't go through"(ORLANDO SENTINEL,
8/10). CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers player rep Danny Ferry: "The
decertification side should take some credit in this deal getting
better. And they should take credit in getting more people
involved and concerned with what was going on. Initially, I
think both sides were dealing with a pretty apathetic group. But
this has been a positive thing" (Mark Asher/Richard Justice,
WASHINGTON POST, 8/10). CHICAGO -- Bulls player rep Steve Kerr:
"Obviously, getting rid of the luxury tax was key, and maybe
that'll make the deal more attractive to guys like Michael, who's
looking to sign that big deal. ... It's not a perfect deal, but
if it was a perfect deal then the owners wouldn't be in favor of
it" (John Jackson, CHICAGO SUN TIMES, 8/10). ATLANTA -- Hawks
player rep Andrew Lang: "It's time to come on board. ... We have
the opportunity to come out of this with revenue that is
respectable and fair and one that makes sense from the owners and
the players standpoint." (Jeffrey Denberg, ATLANTA JOURNAL
CONSTITUTION, 8/10). SALT LAKE CITY -- Jazz Player Rep John
Stockton: "Everybody talks about how we have to sell it to all
the players. But to me, it's not as much about selling as it is
informing. Once everybody knows what this deal is all about it's
no contest....On one hand, we have come up with a very good deal
-- a very good deal. On the other hand, we go to court and roll
the dice. What would you do?" (Steve Luhm, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE,
8/10). PHOENIX -- Suns player rep Joe Kleine: "The agents are
probably going to crucify this deal. But I'm pleased with it"
(Bob Young, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 8/10).
