The NBA's Rookie Transition Program concludes today. Almost
50 rookies are instructed on a range of issues, including how to
handle the stress of being a pro athlete, money management,
dealing with the media, avoiding substance abuse, image building,
nutrition and AIDS awareness. Suns' rookie Steve Nash: "It's
very informative and the things we learn about here are really in
our best interests" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/20)....Brett Favre will
appeal his NFL-imposed ban on alcohol, saying "the league had no
right to prohibit him from drinking after he admitted a
dependency" to the pain-killer, Vicodin (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/20).
Fox's John Madden, on the NFL: "The NFL has to do a better job of
promotion -- the teams, leagues and networks. Too many teams are
starting to look alike" (USA TODAY, 9/20)....In Detroit, Jack
Saylor notes "don't be shocked" if Ryder Cup Captain Tom Kite
starts watching Tiger Woods "early next season to pencil him in
as a possible captain's choice for the U.S. Ryder Cup team"
(DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/18).
