NFL: In N.Y., Mike Freeman writes that the NFL and its
teams are "intensifying their examination of players
entering" the NFL Draft this weekend. Freeman: "Each year
the N.F.L. examines the backgrounds of college prospects,
but according to one owner, the league showed extra caution
this time around." Freeman adds that of the 323 draft-
eligible players "who were checked," 68 players "had what
the league called 'reportable information,' meaning there
was some aspect of the player's background that raised
eyebrows on the league's security staff" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/11).
On the "NFL 2Night," ESPN2's Merril Hoge said, "The
character issue should be number one on any team's list"
("NFL 2Night," ESPN2, 4/10). NBC's Jay Leno said last night,
"Authorities in Jonesboro, Arkansas, say the new fashion
trend among teenage boys ... is wearing prison jumpsuits.
... I'm not surprised. Kids always like to wear the same
uniform as their favorite NFL players" ("Tonight Show," NBC,
4/10). In reporting on the arrest of Packers TE Mark Chmura
in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-
old girl at a post-prom party, ESPN's Suzy Kolber said, "The
NFL's black eye tinted green today" ("SportsCenter," 4/10).
OTHER NOTES: In Toronto, Marty York writes that CFL
President Jeff Giles "asked" XFL exec Carl DeMarco "about
the idea of sharing players," and CFL Commissioner John Tory
"has suggested marketing ventures" with the XFL. But
DeMarco said, "It's not one of our highest priorities but we
do need to discuss this matter sooner rather than later and
I'm not ruling out any kind of alliance with the CFL." More
DeMarco, on possible expansion into Canada: "I'm pushing for
it. It won't be [in 2001] but it might be in our second
year or maybe the third" (GLOBE & MAIL, 4/11)....In Detroit,
Perry Farrell writes on the NBA under the header, "League Is
Losing At Gate, On TV." Farrell: "The best the networks and
league can hope for is that this [declining ratings and
attendance] is a short-term problem. If the trend continues
next season, the league could be in for a problem with its
television partners and corporate sponsors" (FREE PRESS,
4/11)....On "Baseball Tonight," ESPN's Peter Gammons, on the
Braves' code of conduct for fans: "It's something Bud Selig
should look into, I think it's a very good idea. ... It's
about time some of the baseball fans grew up" (ESPN, 4/10).
