After the league canceled its first two weeks of
regular season games, "several agents said Tuesday that
player support of the union's agenda could soon start
eroding," according to Bonnell & Laye of the CHARLOTTE
OBSERVER. Agent Steve Woods: "If all of the players are
aware of the facts and the risks, then I'm fine with (the
union's strategy). But I've talked to 15 players and
parents of players who don't think that's the case." But
NBPA Dir of Communications Dan Wasserman dismissed the
notion that players are misinformed: "We have an extensive
system for conveying our position to our players. We've
told players for a year to save their money and we believe
the vast majority of players are prepared to lose
paychecks." But other agents "said it's inevitable some
players will soon start jumping ship." Agent Jerome
Stanley, on the players' resolve: "I think it's quite strong
today. But every week, every couple of weeks, you're going
to have people hopping off either verbally or just in their
minds" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/14).
NOT SO SURE: Charles Barkley said ownership is "not
trying, we're trying. They're just trying to break the
union. The players can't hold out that long" (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 10/14). But Stern said the league is not trying
to break the union: "We're not testing wills. ... This is an
economic negotiation" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/14). Magic
Johnson: "Maybe 20 to 50 players can hold out long, but
about 300 guys can't afford to" (USA TODAY, 10/14).
NEW POLL: A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup poll of 458 basketball
fans from October 9-12 showed that 44% favor the players in
the lockout, while 36% favor owners. Those numbers differ
from the '94 MLB strike when fans "consistently favored
owners." Asked whether players or owners have fans'
interest in mind, 57% said neither (USA TODAY, 10/14).
