LEWIS SPEAKS TO ROOKIES: In Baltimore, Jamison Hensley
writes that Ravens LB Ray Lewis "stunned" the 254 NFL draft
choices with a "surprise appearance" Tuesday at the NFL's
annual rookie symposium in Carlsbad, CA. Lewis "cautioned"
the players about "life in the spotlight and the wrong crowd
that fame can attract." Lewis "spoke for 30 minutes,
answered about eight questions from the rookies, then exited
to a standing ovation." Lewis told the players: "I had a
problem saying no to friends. You will come in contact with
people who always want to do something for you. We have to
pick and choose things we do" (Baltimore SUN, 6/29). NFL
Exec VP/Labor Relations Harold Henderson is quoted by the AP
as saying players were "spellbound" by Lewis, and "were
fighting for the microphones" (AP/A.B. JOURNAL, 6/29).
UMPIRES UNITE ON TALKS: USA TODAY's Hal Bodley reports
that major and minor league umpires signed a "joint
statement of principles" yesterday, which gives the MLB
umpires "unconditional support" from the 187 minor league
umpires "for the present contract negotiating strategy."
Meanwhile, World Umpires Association President John
Hirschbeck said that umpires "won't ask" for a strike vote
by tomorrow's negotiation deadline (USA TODAY, 6/29).
BLOOMBERG's Scott Newman reported that after the deadline,
the two sides "can continue negotiations or give two weeks
notice before striking or holding a lockout" (BLOOMBERG
NEWS, 6/28). Also, Jerry Crawford, who was former MLBUA
President under former MLBUA Exec Dir Richie Phillips,
"joined the new union's negotiating team in what may be the
first step toward ending the divisive fight that has
engulfed the sport for nearly a year" (Mult., 6/29).
