The NBA and NBPA today will appear in U.S. District Court in N.Y. in a "hearing that could affect the union's potential plans to decertify if labor talks break down completely and the lockout goes on indefinitely." The league is asking Judge Paul Gardephe to rule that "if the players decide to end the union, the lockout would not be an antitrust violation." A ruling is not expected today (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/2). The hearing also will include a "potential dismissal of the league's complaint" that the NBPA "has not bargained in good faith." The union has "filed a similar complaint against the NBA" (N.Y. POST, 11/2).
Meanwhile, NBPA Exec Committee members will meet Thursday to "map out their next move." In a letter to players last night, union Exec Dir Billy Hunter said of his relationship with NBPA President Derek Fisher, "Contrary to what is being said in the media, Derek, myself and the Negotiating Committee are of one accord" (ESPN.com, 11/2). YAHOO SPORTS' Adrian Wojnarowski writes there is an "unmistakable push" among players to "complete the final elements of the system and take this labor deal to the union's 400-plus membership." There is a "vast gulf in the union, and it's growing with the passing of every day" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/2).
