NHL: In L.A., Helene Elliott writes on Flyers LW John
LeClair's goal in Game Two of the Sabres-Flyers series,
which entered the net through a hole near the left post:
"The goal should not have counted, and replays from ESPN's
goal-cam make that indisputable." ESPN/ABC announcer Gary
Thorne, who didn't call the game, on the goal: "The league
keeps black-and-bluing its credibility by refusing to
correct its mistakes. That hurts its image and
credibility." But NHL VP/Media Relations Frank Brown said
of the goal, "Dentists miss cavities on X-rays. This was a
case where the proper system was in place. ... I don't know
the answer. Is this going to happen once every 15-20,000
shots? The vigilance has never been more sophisticated than
it is in these playoffs" (L.A. TIMES, 4/18).
WOMEN'S TEAM UNITES: The '99 U.S. Women's World Cup
soccer team issued a press release defending their decision
to play solely for the WUSA rather than a proposed women's
league backed by MLS: "We are collectively stating that each
member of the 1999 Women's World Cup Championship team will
only play professionally for the WUSA" (WUSA). In San Jose,
Jody Meacham writes, "If the players live up to their
promise, it puts their careers at risk should the soccer
federation sanction the MLS women's league." USSF Dir of
Communications Jim Moorhouse said that players in
unsanctioned leagues "are not eligible to play in national-
team competitions." WUSA Senior Advisor Lee Berke: "We look
forward to be sanctioned, we expect to be sanctioned, we
can't imagine we won't be" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 4/18).
...The WNBA Draft on April 25 wil be broadcast on NBA.com
TV. WNBA.com will cybercast the draft (USA TODAY, 4/18).
