The current labor dispute has led the NBA to cancel a
preseason game between the Heat and the Maccabi Elite Tel
Aviv team in Israel on October 12. The game, which marks
the first time the league has canceled a game due to a labor
dispute, will be rescheduled for October '99 (NBA).
PLAYERS "FIGHTING A LOSING CAUSE"? In Detroit, Chris
McCosky give his analysis of the lockout, and writes, "I
don't think the players are all that unified. The players'
stance is still being driven by an aggressive union leader
(Billy Hunter) and a small percentage of players -- the
elite players. ... The players are fighting a losing cause.
The owners have the leverage financially. And if the
players are counting on public sympathy, forget it. ... What
other business offers it employees a 50-50 split on
profits?" (Chris McCosky, DETROIT NEWS, 9/11).
THE JACKSON VIBE: With the lockout, the Grizzlies have
"decided to hold off on most of their ticket sale
advertising." Team President & GM Stu Jackson: "Our target
was to get in the mid-80 percent range (for renewals).
Right now, it's in the high 70s" (VANCOUVER SUN, 9/10).
HERE'S ONE STAT YOU CAN COUNT ON: STATS Inc. said it
will continue to publish its annual Pro Basketball Handbook
despite the current NBA lockout (STATS Inc.).
