In Philadelphia, Phil Jasner reports in addition to the
Nets' request to speak with 76ers GM Billy King, there is
"reason to believe someone very high up in the Nets
organization wanted to speak to others in the Sixers
organization. Like Pat Croce" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 3/24).
NHL: NHL Senior VP & CLO William Daly, speaking at
yesterday's public hearing before the Nassau County
Legislature's planning, development, and environment
committee regarding a new arena for the Islanders: "Without
a change in circumstances in the very near future -- a new
arena, a new lease -- the New York Islanders cannot and will
not be a viable franchise" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/24)....In N.Y.,
Alex Yannis, on the Devils firing coach Robbie Ftorek
yesterday: "There are signs that the move may be the
beginning of a more hands-on approach by the YankeeNets
organization" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/24). ESPN's Bob Stevens: "They
swear, the folks involved, that the fingerprints of one of
the team's new owners, George Steinbrenner, are not on this
one. But you decide" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 3/23).
NOTES: The Angels "will not raise concession and
parking prices at Edison Field this season." Meanwhile,
season-ticket renewals are down 15% from last season (L.A.
TIMES, 3/23)....The MLS Wizards have sold 1,600 season
tickets and Investor/Operator Lamar Hunt "expects the number
to grow during the early stages of the season." Hunt: "I
know the marketing department might not want to hear me say
this, but I'd feel pretty good if we could average 8,500 to
9,000 this season" (K.C. STAR, 3/24)....The Chargers kicked
off a multimillion dollar scholarship program in an "effort
to reward local students, educators and schools with cash
and opportunities for a job well done." The Chargers have
committed more than $3M for the next five years to the
effort, and students will be chosen "based on how well they
demonstrate leadership, service, citizenship and commitment
in their schools and communities" (UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/23).
