REASON TO BE WORRIED ABOUT EAGELSON LAWSUIT

     The implications of the lawsuit filed this week by several
former NHL players "are enormous, perhaps even devastating for
the NHL," according to Jack Todd of the MONTREAL GAZETTE.  The
suit alleges former NHL President John Ziegler, former NHL Chair
Bill Wirtz and former NHLPA President Alan Eagleson colluded to
suppress player salaries and "stole or wrongfully used union
funds" for their own benefit.  Two years ago, one of the five
players, who did not wish to be named, said the suit could cost
the league $840M.  The player:  "Let's say since 1972 each team
saved $2 million in salaries.  That's 21 teams times two, so
that's $42 million.  Multiply that by 20 years and you've got
$840 million."  The player also "was not optimistic" the league
would be able to pay if the players won, saying most U.S.-based
teams would end up filing for Chapter 11.  Todd notes the damages
could far-exceed $840M as the players are seeking "triple
damages," a tactic made possible by the U.S. RICO statutes
(MONTREAL GAZETTE, 11/11).