Negotiations to end the NBA lockout "collapsed again" last night "in spectacular fashion, with more acrimony, mistrust and fiery rhetoric, and despite the involvement of a federal mediator." The talks ended at about 7:00pm ET, "after nearly 30 hours spent over three days." No additional meetings are scheduled, and Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service Dir George Cohen "has effectively withdrawn from the process" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/21). The league said that the union "ended talks, and the union blamed the league." NBPA President Derek Fisher went so far as to say the reporters were "lied to" by NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver and Spurs Owner Peter Holt (USA TODAY, 10/21). Holt: "It's certainly a tough day, a very tough day. ... We've sort of worn each other out" (N.Y. POST, 10/21).
League officials "planned to meet" today with NBA Commissioner David Stern (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/20). It is "likely that more regular-season games will be canceled" today (NEWSDAY, 10/21).
ESPN’s Chris Broussard: "There’s growing acrimony and distrust between the two parties. Thursday’s meeting was heated and contentious" (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 10/21). The BOSTON GLOBE's Gary Washburn writes both sides "walked away jaded, accusing the other of making unreasonable demands." CBSSPORTS.com's Ken Berger writes, "What happened Thursday was irresponsible and gutless."
