Arbitrator John Feerick has delayed the deadline for
the NBA and the NBPA to file post-hearing briefs regarding
the payment of guaranteed contracts during the lockout,
according to Scott Soshnick of BLOOMBERG NEWS. The deadline
was extended from Wednesday to Friday (BLOOMBERG, 9/15).
NO "I" IN TEAM: In Boston, Peter May reports that NBA
Commissioner David Stern has "voluntarily" decided to forgo
being paid during the lockout "as a sign that he is willing
to take a hit for the cause." May: "The decision represents
a substantial financial hit for Stern; his salary is
estimated to be at least double the league average" of
$2.5M. Stern "declined comment yesterday when asked about
his decision" (Peter May, BOSTON GLOBE, 9/15).
BOTH SIDES "PLAYING" THE WRONG GAME? In DC, Ric Bucher
examines the NBA's labor dispute and writes, "The NBA
owners' argument about needing a hard cap to remain solvent
simply doesn't wash. ... The owners don't need a hard salary
cap as much as they need to take a hard line on whom they
grant financial independence. ... I'd have far less of a
problem with a labor dispute if the owners were arguing with
the players' union about stiffer penalties for being late
and missing practice and possessing contraband and violating
the law." Bucher: "The reality is that both sides are
arguing about the bottom line, about fiscal concerns, while
accusing the other of being greedy. They're playing a game,
and it's the wrong one" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/15).
HEARD ON THE STREET: Due to the lockout, Street &
Smith's announced that it will postpone the release of its
NBA annual edition until November 9 (Street & Smith's).
Street & Smith's publishes THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY.
