In what could become "an epic negotiating war with the
NBA owners," NBA players yesterday in Las Vegas "vowed to
stay unified" and said they would go to N.Y. next week for
the next round of negotiations, according to Stephen Smith
of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. NBPA Exec Dir Billy Hunter:
"Since [NBA Commissioner David] Stern has said he's willing
to meet with us any time, 300 to 400 players intend on being
present." Rockets F Charles Barkley: "We stand behind Billy
Hunter." During yesterday's meeting, players were addressed
by NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw and MLBPA Exec Dir Donald
Fehr, while Hunter showed a TV clip of Stern saying that the
owners were paying their head coaches an average of $3M per
season "because they could afford to do so" (PHILADELPHIA
INQUIRER, 10/23). USA TODAY's Roscoe Nance calls the
meeting of more than 200 players an "unprecedented show of
solidarity." NBPA President Patrick Ewing: "We're in this
for the long haul" (USA TODAY, 10/23). It was the "largest"
gathering in the history of the NBPA (TORONTO SUN, 10/23).
TALK ABOUT THE PASSION: The players met for almost six
hours with "only a brief break" for lunch. Asked if the
next round of talks could lead to progress, Hunter said,
"Anything is possible if we don't have the hard cap"
(CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/23). ESPN's David Aldridge: "[The
NBPA] heard several impassioned speeches today in the midst
of the meeting. David Robinson talking about his mother's
civil rights days and her role in the movement. John Starks
getting up and telling the players that the rank and file
were with the superstars and the superstars were with the
rank and file" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 10/22). Several
players said Jazz F Karl Malone and Robinson "were the most
passionate players of those who spoke" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER,
10/23). Michael Jordan spoke and "many players credited him
with helping unify disparate factions and rallying support
for a strong stance against the hard salary cap." Jordan:
"My reason (for being) here is I owe an obligation to the
young players. I haven't made a definitive decision [on
returning], but that doesn't mean I shouldn't get involved
with what's going on" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/23). More
Jordan: "This work stoppage is not our fault. We're willing
to work, but David Stern shouldn't be able to force us to
play under a deal that's unfavorable to us" (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 10/23). Agent Keith Glass called the day
"extraordinary," adding that "he had never seen anything
like it" in his 17 years as an agent (PHILADELPHIA DAILY
NEWS, 10/23). Former NBPA President Buck Williams: "I've
been in the union for a long time, but I've never seen the
resolve or the dedication to the cause like today. I was
really taken aback" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/23).
HUNTER TALKS: The NBPA's Hunter: "If the NBA insists
upon a hard cap, there very well may not be a season. I
would think that David Stern wouldn't be that foolish. I
don't think they can take that kind of hit. That would be a
devastation of ineptitude for them to do that. But we're
prepared to deal and be reasonable" (WASH. POST, 10/23).
CAN HUNTER MAKE A DEAL? In N.Y., Peter Vecsey writes on
the failure of the two sides to make progress in
negotiations and notes, "Though a seasoned court room
practitioner, this is Hunter's first public performance
representing such a powerful and wealthy group. ... Hunter
talks tough, but it's almost as if he's afraid of the
competition. C'mon big fella, when are we gonna see what
you can do?" More Vecsey, on talk of a new league: "Do the
players honestly believe they can pocket remotely as much as
they're currently banking? ... It's like our kids. They
live with us for a long time. Finally, they move out and
get their own place. Then suddenly it dawns on them how
expensive [things are]" (N.Y. POST, 10/23).
HOUSTON CHARITY GAME: In Houston, Linda McIngvale, co-
organizer of tonight's charity game featuring NBA players,
said players will be paid "a couple thousand dollars" as an
appearance fee. Game organizers "also have purchased group
insurance, will assume all expenses and chartered a jet to
bring players" from the Las Vegas meetings. Tickets remain
at the $40 and $50 level (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/23).
ESPN.com polled browsers on whether they would pay to see a
game sponsored by the NBPA. Of the 9,833 votes as of this
morning, 67.4% said no, while 32.5% said yes (THE DAILY).