In Detroit, David Markiewicz reports that the Tigers'
"failure to interview minority candidates for the manager's
job drew repercussions Wednesday from the NAACP, which
called for a boycott of owner Mike Ilitch's businesses."
NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, speaking outside of Comerica
Park: "To openly and blatantly ignore a direct edict from
the commissioner's office to at least interview qualified
black and Latino applicants ... is shameful." Mfume wants a
public "apology" from Ilitch (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/28).
THERE'S ALWAYS THE MUSIC BUSINESS: In Toronto, Craig
Daniels writes that the Raptors cut G Percy "Master P"
Miller yesterday because he wasn't "good enough to justify
the problems he might have created" with his popularity.
Raptors coach Butch Carter wanted Miller to "deflect
attention primarily" from G Vince Carter, "providing the
rookie of the year with more breathing room from the media
and fans" (TORONTO SUN, 10/28). In Toronto, Bill Harris
reports that Raptors management and ownership "took the
decision out of the coach's hands" (TORONTO SUN, 10/28).
...Also in Toronto, Allan Ryan reports that the Blue Jays
"are anticipating an increase in team payroll" from $43.5M
to "something in the high 40s maybe even" $50M. But "for
the fourth straight year, [the] Jays will be increasing
ticket prices" (TORONTO STAR, 10/28)....Hawks Exec VP Lee
Douglas said that the Hawks have sold 6,500 full season -
ticket packages, 500 21-game packages and 650 12-game
packages (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 10/28).
