NO WORD ON CBA: Multiple reports have CBA Owner Isiah
Thomas as a leading candidate to replace Larry Bird as the
Pacers coach. In Chicago, Lacy Banks writes that Thomas
"would have to sell" the league before accepting a head
coaching position, but CBA President & CMO Don Welsh told
the Gary (IN) Post-Tribune, "The CBA is not for sale"
(CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/21). Welsh tells the SIOUX FALLS
ARGUS-LEADER, "I have not seen any definite language or
bylaws within the NBA that verify that he [Thomas] has to
sell [the CBA]." CBA Regional VP Tommy Smith: "Whatever
happens, it's going to happen very soon" (SIOUX FALLS ARGUS-
LEADER, 6/21). Bobcats GM Diane Bosshard, on the rumors:
"There are so many rumors and so much gossip, and a lot of
people talk about, 'What if?'" (La Crosse TRIBUNE, 6/21).
NOTES: In N.Y., Murray Chass reports that after "months
of silence and hope for a quick labor agreement," Major
League Umpires Independent Organizing Committee (MLUIOC)
President John Hirschbeck said yesterday he is "very
disappointed in baseball." Hirschbeck, on MLB: "Rather than
work with us, it's like they want to take advantage of us.
Our cooperation shouldn't be taken for weakness or lack of
resolve." Hirschbeck said "thorny issues" about a new labor
deal include "control and discipline, free speech, salaries
and jobs for the 22 umpires whose resignations were accepted
last year" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/21)....Minor League Baseball
reports that through May, its 11 full-season leagues have
drawn more than 11 million fans, a 6.6% increase over a
comparable period in '99 (Minor League Baseball).
