League Notes

A S.F. CHRONICLE editorial states the MLBPA’s attempts to keep private the names of MLBers listed on documents as part of the Kirk Radomski federal case is a “shortsighted view and a disappointing one from a union that once claimed to be serious about cleaning up baseball.” The long-term health of the sport “depends on fans’ confidence in the integrity of the game” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/12).  The Chronicle's partent company, The Hearst Corp., has taken legal action to obtain the redacted names.

SUMMER DROUGHT: No NBA-affiliated teams are participating in the Long Beach Summer Pro League for the first time in its 38-year history, discounting the ’98 lockout, as NBA clubs are focusing on Las Vegas, Orlando and Utah.  League Owner & President John Younesi: “The NBA teams were beckoned to go to Las Vegas. Because they (the NBA) want to get a team there, they wanted to build a swell of momentum.” Younesi said that Warren LeGarie, an agent for NBA coaches and GMs who founded the Las Vegas Summer League, “used his influence to sway teams away from Long Beach.” However, LeGarie said, “People are here because they want to be here. There’s no obligation” (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 7/12).

SHARPENING THE SKATES: A group of National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) team owners headed by Etobicoke Dolphins co-Owner Domenic Serafino have hired Cosmos Sports to conduct a feasibility study, the “first step toward reviving the league" for '08-09.  NWHL teams voted in May to suspend operations for the upcoming season (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 7/11).