In N.Y., Mitch Lawrence wrote if NBA Deputy Commissioner & COO Adam Silver succeeds Commissioner David Stern as is expected, "don’t expect Silver’s reign to be as long as Stern’s.” It could be “a lot shorter, in fact.” A league source said that “there has been talk among some owners that they want to see how Silver handles the post in the short term.” Some NBA insiders “were hopeful” that MSG Sports President Scott O’Neil “would be given serious consideration.” A source said, “When you’re following someone like David, which isn’t going to be easy to do, Scott would be tremendous as the face of the league” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/15).
MIAMI MELTDOWN: In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis noted NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has been a “staunch supporter of hockey in South Florida throughout the Panthers’ lean years of lousy play and shaky attendance,” but Bettman “virtually melted hope of a Winter Classic” being held in Marlins Park. Bettman said, “I think doing an outdoor game based in a warm climate, based on current climatic conditions and technology, is very difficult to be thinking about. They’d open the roof and it would be hot” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/15).
MAKING THE GRADE: In N.Y., Gary Buiso wrote unruly NFL fans “booted from stadiums this year will be required to pass a code-of-conduct exam -- or they won’t be allowed back in for another game.” Dr. Ari Novick, who designed the test, said, “We’re not trying to squash anyone’s passion. We’re just trying to say don’t be violent.” Novick said that requirements will “vary depending on the stadium, but most of the time the stadium louts will have to pass the test before being allowed back in” (N.Y. POST, 4/15).
