In a conference call yesterday, NBA Commissioner David Stern
said the league is willing to be patient if there is another
arena delay with whoever assumes control of the Raptors in their
ownership "showdown," according to Doug Smith of the CANADIAN
PRESS. Team partners John Bitove, Jr. and Allan Slaight are
looking to resolve the ownership structure by November 14.
Stern: "The ownership of the team and its direction is probably a
more important issue in the long run than the building issue, so
if there's a little bit more of a delay, I'm not sure I can have
the right to complain" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 10/29). Stern also
said the Heat were treated fairly in the Juwan Howard episode.
Stern: "At this point, we are more interested in looking forward
to wishing the Heat well in the upcoming season" (Barry Jackson,
MIAMI HERALD, 10/29). Stern said the biggest challenges facing
the league are "the issue of high salaries and educating our fans
on why our players are paid them [the salaries] is because they
bring entertainment to fans around the world." Regarding TV
ratings, Stern said "We expect all sports ratings to be under
pressure. ... We expect ratings to stay flat or continue to go
down" (THE DAILY). In Vancouver, Kent Gilchrist notes Stern
addressed "questions so adroitly any problems certainly didn't
sound serious" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 10/29).
NBA NEWS & NOTES: In L.A., Earl Gustkey examines the plight
of nearly 75, post-World War II "pioneer NBA players" who may be
"moving toward an age discrimination suit against the league."
The players are attempting to be brought into the league's
pension plan (L.A. TIMES, 10/28)....In Mexico City, more than
46,000 attended the four games of the NBA Challenge, including
18,108 who watched the Mavericks-Cavs on Sunday. NBA Deputy
Commissioner Russ Granik: "It was great" (Mary Schmitt, Cleveland
PLAIN DEALER, 10/28). NBA Dir of Int'l Media Relations Terry
Lyons: "The one thing unique about Mexico is the youthfulness of
the crowd. The kids' involvement is amazing" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE,
10/29).
