In the "unique subculture that is the NBA, the black
majority plays, but by the rules -- or rule -- of the white
minority," according to Ellen Chase of the Newark STAR-
LEDGER, who wrote an extensive piece in Sunday's paper,
"Black & White: And All The Grey Areas As The NBA Struggles
To Find A Balance Into The Next Century." NBPA Exec Dir
Billy Hunter: "The league is 80 percent black in terms of
the player and 85 to 90 percent white in terms of the
coaching. It's not expressed, but there is a concern."
Chase: "And race, whether today's head coaches are willing
to admit it or not, inevitably influences how coaches and
players relate to each other" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 4/19).
MORE MINORITY HIRING FIGURES: In Minnesota, Jay Weiner
examined the minority hiring figures of the local teams and
noted the T-Wolves "trail other NBA teams," the Vikings "are
a leader" in the NFL and the Twins "have the most minority
employees of all local teams." The T-Wolves have no
minority execs and one black assistant coach. Team
President Rob Moor: "I am interested in focusing on
diversity. ... But the front office is something you hire on
a local basis" (Jay Weiner, Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/19).
