The ABL has learned that "some of its players are
paying too much for representation -- as much as 10% of
their contracts," according to USA TODAY's Valerie Lister.
By comparison, the "highest percentage" allowed by the NBPA
is 4%. ABL CEO Gary Cavalli said the league will produce a
document "that is kind of a guide to selecting an agent."
Cavalli: "We've tried to suggest in the document that the
percentage be 3 to 7 but definitely not in the 10-to-20
range." The guides will be distributed during the ABL's
All-Star weekend in January, along with an informational
panel during a players' breakfast (USA TODAY, 12/9).
THAT NOTION JUST CROSSED MY MIND: In Hartford, Bruce
Berlet writes that a week on the road with the ABL Blizzard
"confirms the suspicion: The rest of the league isn't like
Hartford. Smaller arenas. Smaller crowds. Less promotion.
Less media coverage. But there are two constants: suspect
officiating and the appeal of Blizzard coach K.C. Jones.
League and Blizzard officials made a brilliant moving hiring
[Jones]. ... Newspapers and TV trumpeted his arrival in
Denver, Portland, Seattle and San Jose" (COURANT, 12/9).
