Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird said of his team and the Thunder avoiding the NBA luxury tax, “We can't afford it. It's like buying a used car and a new car. If you have the money to buy a used one you better buy a used one. Our owner went out and did everything he could this year so we could be close to the tax. We just can't fight the tax. It's always going to be a disadvantage for us. I feel bad for Oklahoma. They had a great team and they had to make a trade. They were right there, but we're going to have to do the same in the future. We're always fighting an uphill battle with revenues. But that's part of who we are. We do the best we can with what we have" (USA TODAY, 7/9).
BIRD WATCHING: In Seattle, Bob Condotta reports “five of the 14 training-camp workouts” the Seahawks have open to fans have “already sold out.” Fans "must register through the team’s website.” Admission is “free other than a $7 transportation fee” (SEATTLE TIMES, 7/9).
COMES WITH BAGGAGE: The Colts yesterday announced that they will give season-ticket holders a bag that complies with the NFL’s new rules for what can be brought into stadiums. The NFL had earlier announced restrictions on the size and type of bags that will be allowed. The bags will be sent in early August (Colts).
