CAPPED OUT: In N.Y., Mike Freeman writes that for the
first time in 40 years, the 49ers, Packers and Cowboys have
started 0-2 in the same season, which "is a sign that the
mighty have truly fallen, choked by the [salary] cap."
Freeman: "The more you beat the $62 million salary cap by
spreading out high signing bonuses deep into the future to
avoid paying the price now, the more the cap fights back in
the long run." Giants GM Ernie Accorsi: "The system has
caught up with those three teams" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/14).
NASCAR AND AUTOPSY REPORTS: In Orlando, Juliet Macur
writes that NASCAR officials have "not looked at the
autopsies" of the late Kenny Irwin and Adam Petty, who died
in accidents at NH Int'l Speedway. Macur: "Some observers
wonder why NASCAR isn't interested in such key pieces of
evidence in its quest to try to prevent more fatalities."
NH State Medical Examiner Thomas Andrew, on the reports: "I
think it would be important for [NASCAR] to know." But
NASCAR COO Mike Helton said the reason NASCAR didn't request
autopsy reports is, "We know what the cause of death was
from the death certificates" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/14).
NOTES: MA-based Game Plan LLC has been retained by the
IBL to work as a financial advisor for potential
acquisitions, mergers and strategic partnerships (IBL)....In
Toronto, Lance Hornby writes that the Maple Leafs will host
the 2002 NHL Draft at Air Canada Centre (TORONTO SUN,
9/14)....In Calgary, Jean Lefebvre writes that new WHL
Commissioner Ron Robison (see THE DAILY, 9/13) "is expected
to officially assume" his duties prior to the WHL season on
September 22. Robison: "The WHL is strong as it is now, but
I'm looking forward to making the league even bigger and
better." In other news, the WHL has conditionally approved
the sale of the WA-based Tri-City Americans to a group led
by business exec Wayne Overland (CALGARY SUN, 9/14).
