The NBA's guaranteed contracts arbitration hearing is
"going to take a lot longer than expected," according to
Chris Sheridan of the AP. A nine-day adjournment was
announced Tuesday, "meaning a verdict might not come until
October, when training camps are to open." The hearing was
set to end yesterday, but arbitrator John Feerick said it
would extend until September 3, 4 and 8. On Tuesday, the
hearing lasted "for another 6 1/2 hours," for a "total of 14
hours over two days." Union lawyer Ron Klempner was the
"only witness" yesterday, and "lawyers for each side also
spent time arguing the admissibility of certain documents --
including a contract containing "unique" language signed by
Kings C Olden Polynice in '94 (AP/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/26).
COULD RULING FOR PLAYERS FAVOR OWNERS? In Toronto, Bill
Harris reports that "there might be a long-term benefit for
the owners if they stick with the lockout" even if Feerick
rules that they must pay guaranteed contracts. Harris
writes that the "union would be left" with about 220 players
being paid and "about" 190 players -- with no guaranteed
deals or free agents -- who "get nothing." Harris: "If the
owners want to break the union, that could be a good place
to start. The cash-less group of players certainly would be
more intent on a quick resolution than the group maintaining
its financial security" (Bill Harris, TORONTO SUN, 8/26).
