In Boston, Steve Bulpett interviews Celtics Chair Paul
Gaston. Gaston, asked if he is concerned about the
attendance drop at the FleetCenter: "Obviously in our
business, we're concerned. The league is concerned. We're
collectively trying to put the best product out for all fans
to see, and we think that, too, will improve." Gaston, on
speculation that the club is for sale: "I'll put it this
way, the team is not for sale" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/19)....In
an effort to "make sure there were decent crowds in Gund
Arena for the final few home games" of the season, the Cavs
"let big businesses with season tickets buy as many as 100
lower-bowl seats to any remaining game" for $5 each
(Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 4/19)....In K.C., Steve Rock writes
that after the sale of the team to David Glass, the Royals
BOD will now "disperse themselves into other outposts of
life." Royals President Mike Herman has "long said he would
step down from his role with the Royals once the ownership
situation was resolved," and Rock writes that the move could
happen "as early as April 28," when Glass expects to
complete his purchase (K.C. STAR, 4/19)....In Chicago, Carol
Slezak notes the low attendance at White Sox games despite
the team's 8-6 record: "This team is one that discerning
fans should want to support. ... Sox fans, you've run out of
excuses. Your team is competitive. So where are you?"
(CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/19)....49ers coach Steve Mariucci, on
NFL teams helping players: "You don't just have an off-
season strength and conditioning program, but you have a
program to help your athletes with the financial, the
marital issues, the social, the mentoring and counseling
areas, ... and as a league, we have to do a better job of
that" ("Up Close," 4/18)....The UHL OH Gears have petitioned
the league to "sit out next season while" a $10M, 6,500-seat
arena is built in Massillon (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 4/19).
