In N.Y., Mike Vorkunov noted NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts has "rebuked" Knicks President Phil Jackson for "publicly indicating that he would like" F Carmelo Anthony to play elsewhere next season. Roberts in a statement said that the union had "taken its concerns about Jackson's 'inappropriate comments' to the commissioner's office." Roberts: "If players under contract cannot, under threat of league discipline, speak openly about their desire to be employed elsewhere, we expect management to adhere to the same standards" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/16).
GONE FISHIN': In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis cited experts as saying that it will "take plenty of [money] to land the Marlins ... but considerable importance will also be placed on the people involved, to ensure a palatable fit for the franchise" and MLB. Marlins President David Samson last week said that progress toward a sale is "farther along than any previous negotiations have reached." Sports economist Andrew Zimbalist said that he anticipates the Marlins will "fetch in the neighborhood" of $1.2B to as much as $1.4B. Davis noted possible buyers "see a potential in the franchise that hasn't been realized under Loria" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 4/14).
CHIEF CONCERN: ESPN's Jeremy Schaap noted fans are "seeing some courage" from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred "on the subject of Chief Wahoo, the Indians’ logo." Manfred wants to "transition away from the logo," and it is "about time." Schaap: "The Chief Wahoo logo is beyond the pale. Don't get me wrong, the attachment long-time fans feel to it doesn't make them deplorable or despicable. But that attachment is superseded by Chief Wahoo’s inherent offensiveness" ("The Sports Reporters," ESPN, 4/16).
PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS: FS1's Alexi Lalas said when walking around Orlando, it is apparent Orlando City SC "is a team that is relevant, this is a team that is loved." Lalas: "They own the color purple. You walk around downtown, and there is purple everywhere -- and not just on game day. This is a community that I think is passionate about their soccer. ... Now they have this cathedral, they have this brand new stadium to put their team into." He added, "Whether you're from Orlando or not, this is good for the league” (“MLS Pregame,” FS1, 4/15).
