BUT HOW WILL AHMAD GETS HIS EXCLUSIVES IF MJ WON'T TALK?

          Some NBA players "have said they are weighing the
     possibility" of boycotting the NBA's TV partners, NBC and
     TNT, according to Mike Wise of the N.Y. TIMES.  The players
     view the networks as "co-conspirators" in the current
     lockout and have talked about "penalizing the two networks
     by not doing interviews both during and after the current
     labor impasse."  NBPA President Patrick Ewing said players
     are upset that the two networks "have taken the active role
     that they have in promoting this lockout."  Both NBC and TNT
     will pay the league rights fees despite the canceled games. 
     Ewing: "When all is said and done, this lockout will have
     cost the players a lot of money, and NBC's role will not be
     forgotten."  NBA Commissioner David Stern: "I'm comfortable
     that when we make the deal, reality will be reaffirmed." 
     Wise: "Privately, league officials believe the players are
     trying to pull the networks into the fray in order that NBC
     and Turner Sports might exert pressure on the owners to cut
     a deal."  NBC Sports Chair Dick Ebersol declined comment on
     the NBPA's statements, while Turner Sports VP/PR Greg Hughes
     "said the cable network was not taking sides in the dispute"
     (N.Y. TIMES, 10/30).  In N.Y., Peter Vecsey notes a league
     source said that NBC and Turner had to agree to the rights
     fee payments or "they wouldn't have gotten the deal." 
     Vecsey: "Clearly, Hunter is merely trying to make a deal and
     will use anything at his disposal to gain some sort of
     leverage or put some kind of pressure on the league.  As if
     Stern and the owners are going to buckle on critical
     economic issues on the chance the players won't make
     themselves available to the networks" (N.Y. POST, 10/30).
          INSIDE THE NUMBERS: USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke: "Contrary
     to reports ... neither NBC nor TNT has paid the NBA its TV
     rights fees as yet this season.  But periodic payments will
     begin soon."  NBC will pay $437.5M this year, while Turner
     will pay $222.5M.  Turner Sports' Hughes, on advertiser
     reaction to the lockout: "Not one dollar has been asked for
     or given back to advertisers" (USA TODAY, 10/30).  Hughes,
     on speculation that the NBA will lose a large number of
     viewers: "We believe in the long-term strength of the
     product.  I don't think losing a month of one season will
     have a significant impact" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 10/30).