USA TODAY's Larry Weisman reports that the NFLPA, which
provides office space in DC for the NFL Coaches Association,
is now "reaching out" to the Professional Football Referees
Association (PFRA). NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw has invited
the PFRA to address the NFLPA's team reps at its annual
meeting in HI (USA TODAY, 3/17)....LPGA Commissioner Ty
Votaw responded to an article on the Tour by SI's Walter
Bingham in the March 6 issue of SI. Votaw: "Unfortunately,
you and SI have fallen into the all too familiar trap of
comparing the LPGA with the PGA Tour. That is misguided and
unfair. ... The only fair evaluation of the LPGA is to
compare it with itself, or to other women's sports. By
those standards, the LPGA is a big success" (SI, 3/20).
MLS: In L.A., Grahame Jones writes that as MLS kicks
off its season Saturday, there is "a renewed energy brought
about by the changes introduced" by new Commissioner Don
Garber. The league has "fallen in line with international
rules to woo back fans who were tired of gimmicks," and
redesigned uniforms will "give teams a fresh look." Garber:
"Our core audience spoke, and we listened." Jones:
"Overall, despite hefty problems, the future for MLS looks
better than it has since the league's euphoric first season.
But the road ahead is still a long one" (L.A. TIMES, 3/17).
