The NBA announced yesterday that they have been unable to
reach agreement with their referees on a CBA and may have to hire
replacements to begin the season. The referees' labor deal two
expired in June, and the league offered the "refs a no-strike,
no-lockout agreement." If the refs do not accept that offer and
no deal is reached by Friday, the league said it will hire
replacements to work training camp and the season. The league
said they have offered refs an average 10% pay raise for the
coming season and a 29% raise over five years. The refs are
seeking a 70% pay raise in '95-96, according to the league (SALT
LAKE TRIBUNE, 9/28).
TIME FOR HEALING: In Chicago, Lacy Banks writes that he did
not believe NBA owners would have canceled the season if the
players had decertified. The owners "are too smart and greedy
for that." But Banks gives NBA Commissioner David Stern credit
for talking a "great game" and getting a "super deal for his
owners." Banks: "And what better timing for Stern to pull one
of the greatest victories in labor negotiations. His contract is
up and the owners should greatly increase the $3 million a year
his last deal paid him" (CHICAGO SUN TIMES, 9/27).
