Stern, seen here with McGreevey, helps pitch a Newark arena

NBA Commissioner David Stern and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday visited NJ legislators as part of "a last-ditch effort" for a Newark arena. The commissioners — frustrated with the political gridlock the project has encountered — stressed a new facility would be a boon to the entire state. Meanwhile, Gov. James McGreevey and NJSEA President George Zoffinger met "behind closed doors" last night with members of the Senate Budget Committee in an attempt to move the arena plan forward.

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