Several agents who are members of the NBPA's advisory
council representing 75% of NBA players "disputed" an unfair
labor charge filed by agent Steve Woods on Wednesday,
according to Asher & Bucher of the WASHINGTON POST. Agent
Steve Kauffman said yesterday that Woods is "on an island by
himself." He added that Woods' actions may "have been
motivated by the union's turning away his efforts to join
the 23-member Agents Advisory Council." Woods: "That's not
true at all. I told them I was interested and available to
(join) the process" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/16). Agent Joel
Bell: "Billy and the union are doing an excellent job."
Agent Keith Glass: "Hunter is in a very tough spot because
of what was done in the past. He has done as good a job as
possible under the circumstances, because they gave
everything away in 1995" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 10/16).
UNITED THEY STAND, OR FALL? On ESPN.com, Shelley Smith
quotes one agent who says the players' solidarity is "going
to crack. Once guys don't see that paycheck coming in,
they're going to crack." Smith senses that players won't
stay "united" behind Hunter: "In the end, I think the
players will decide their own well-being is worth far more
than any principle which assures financial prosperity for
players who right now are in high school" (ESPN.com, 10/16).
FEERICK RULING: Arbitrator John Feerick could rule on
the payment of guaranteed contracts during the lockout as
early as today. Wizards F Tracy Murray: "If he rules in
favor of the owners, it's going to kill the (morale and
position of the) players." Wizards G Tim Legler: "If he
rules in our favor, players will stay home for three years
from now if they know eventually they will get their money"
(Asher & Bucher, WASHINGTON POST, 10/16).