MLB: MLBPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr met with Braves players
yesterday in FL, and said afterward that he hopes to "avoid"
a work stoppage after the current CBA expires. Fehr: "It is
disturbing to see the kinds of complaints we see again (from
owners), especially when revenue-sharing is just now kicking
in at very big amounts" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/11).
...Braves Owner Ted Turner may "face a fine and sensitivity
training" as the result of "insensitive comments" made last
month at a National Family Planning and Reproductive
Association gathering (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/11)....Blue
Jays Assistant GM Dave Stewart, on racism in MLB: "I
couldn't point out any one of the 30 owners and say 'He is a
racist.' And none of the 30 will say they are. Will any of
the 30 say they're prejudiced if they answer the question
honestly? Yes, they can say that. And is there anything
wrong with prejudice? No. There is nothing wrong with
prejudice" (BASEBALL WEEKLY, 3/10 issue).
NFL: In Chicago, Don Pierson writes that instant replay
"appears to have a good chance" of being approved by the NFL
at next week's owners meetings, as the Competition Committee
is recommending "two challenges per game by each coach
except in the final two minutes of the halves and overtime,
when a replay official in the press box takes over." In
either case, the final decision will be made on the field
through a referee viewing a sideline TV monitor (CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, 3/11). Bengals President Mike Brown on replay:
"I'm the lone holdout, but it looks like it's coming back.
It turns our game into arguing over calls and I thought we
were done with that in eighth grade" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER,
3/11)...In CA, Bob Keisser writes that "several sources"
said that NFL owners are "separated" by a variety of issues
on possible expansion. Keisser: "Several feel the league is
rushing a decision on adding a 32nd franchise." One source:
"I think there is some sentiment to do nothing. And even if
enough owners want to expand, there are enough on either
side (of the L.A. vs. Houston debate) to prevent a decision"
(Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM, 3/11). For more, see (#16).
