Due to a "change" in the NBPA's plans, the union
"doesn't expect to get back" to the bargaining table "until
the first days of 1999," according to Mitch Lawrence of the
N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Lawrence writes that NBPA Exec Dir Billy
Hunter held a conference call with 130 players yesterday and
"was urged to no longer make the first move in trying to get
talks re-started." Several players "also implored Hunter to
stop making concessions" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/16). One
player on the call said Hunter "told us if we just stay
strong, and stay unified, that we'd get a deal when the
league's drop-dead date gets closer" (DENVER POST, 12/16).
One source close to the union said that NBA Commissioner
David Stern "doesn't have to meet us halfway, but he has to
meet us part of the way. ... Everybody's frustrated, but the
league is dictating everything" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/16).
The AP's Chris Sheridan spoke with both Hunter and NBA
Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik and "both men admitted they
are closer than previously disclosed on the main factor
separating them," the division of BRI. Owners have told
players "they are willing to go higher" than the 52% they
have offered, while players, "who previously said they'd
never drop below" 57%, now say they'll go to 56.5%. Hunter
and Granik "agreed that a deal could be reached in less
[than] 24 hours" (AP/Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 12/16).
STERN'S ROCKY MOUNTAIN SIGH? In Denver, Mike Monroe
reports that Stern is "scheduled to arrive in Colorado" this
weekend at his vacation home in Snowmass. But he is "not
apt to find conditions on the ski slopes any friendlier than
those in his talks ... with union officials. Snow
conditions statewide are among the worst in the history of
early-season skiing in the state" (DENVER POST, 12/16).
SURVEY SAYS? APATHY! USA TODAY's Valerie Lister cites a
USATODAY.com survey showing that 50% of more than 3,800
users describe their feelings regarding the NBA lockout as
"apathetic." Lister: "Many of [USA Today readers] say they
have rediscovered college men's basketball and have found an
appreciation for the collegiate women's game as well as the
[ABL]" (USA TODAY, 12/16)....BLOOMBERG's Soshnick & Coates
report that the NBA's "image is losing its luster." Ad
execs say that "even before the lockout," NBC and TNT "were
finding it tougher to sell airtime." MediaCom Sports TV
Buyer Jonathan Mandel: "The NBA is dead. When they lost the
schoolyard, it was all over" (BLOOMBERG, 12/16)....CBS's
David Letterman said during the holiday season, "open your
heart and try to remember to do something generous for those
less fortunate than you. And of course I'm talking about
the NBA players. Do what you can" (CBS, 12/15).
