USA Rugby and the Fox/Liberty Networks will explore the
possibility of a pro rugby competition in the U.S. The two
have targeted spring 2000 as the inaugural season of a city-
based competition. The yet-unnamed competition will likely
begin with eight franchises in cities such as N.Y., DC, L.A.
and San Francisco (USA Rugby)....Noting SI's cover story
titled "Kill The Umps!," USA TODAY's Hal Bodley reports that
World Series crew chief Jerry Crawford said he and his crew
will "meet with the managers and general managers and tell
them how we're approaching the Series" (USA TODAY, 10/16).
DOES THIS DISPUTE SOUND FAMILIAR? NASCAR "continues to
say its likely implementation of a crew-member limit for
next season is nothing more than a cost-cutting measure."
Driver Kyle Petty: "I don't think it's the sanctioning
body's job to dictate the cost of what the sport is. ...
It's not their job to dictate the economics of the sport."
Petty, when asked how this compares to the NBA's salary cap:
"The NBA is not driven by commercialism like we are -- at
least the teams aren't. ... Why do you think we wear
[sponsor logos on their uniforms]? Our job depends on what
a sponsor is willing to pay us, and we should be able to
spend it. That's the American way" (USA TODAY, 10/15).
NASCAR VP/Marketing George Pyne, on overseas expansion:
"Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, but
I don't think anyone here is going to buy a ticket.
Fortunately, we think we have an advantage (overseas)
because everyone can relate to cars" (THE DAILY).
