NBPA Exec Dir Billy Hunter is quoted by Stephen Smith
of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER as saying, "In all likelihood,
there will be a lockout -- unless a miracle takes place,
which it probably won't. We're probably in for a long
summer." Hunter, on owners wanting to instill a salary cap
to prevent some of the long, lucrative contracts signed by
some players: "If you don't want to give a guy $30 million,
then don't. But do it on your own. Don't expect us to
agree not to explore what the market would allow. That's
ridiculous" (Stephen Smith, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/21).
WHERE THEY'RE AT: One union official who requested
anonymity, on the state of talks: "They're not even on the
same planet right now" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/21). In Hartford,
Alan Greenberg: "The biggest obstacle to a new CBA is the
mind-set of the union's rank and file. They, too, dream of
being like Mike, and it's costing them dearly" (HARTFORD
COURANT, 6/21). In Chicago, Lacy Banks: "With 250 of the
league's 400 players becoming free agents, owners hope a
lockout will send a message to the free agents, trigger
panic and break solidarity" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/21). In
Miami, Barry Jackson wrote under the header, "NBA Should
Stand Strong: Owners Need To Restore Financial Common
Sense." Jackson: "[O]wners worrying about saving the start
of the season are short-sighted. The important issue is the
league's longterm health. Even if it means canceling part
of the season" (MIAMI HERALD, 6/21). In Denver, Mike Monroe
predicted a "long" lockout (DENVER POST, 6/21).
U.S. BLUES: In Chicago, Sam Smith reported that there
was "unrest among several of the players who were supposed
compete in the world championships," in part over lost
commercial opportunities. Gary Payton, Grant Hill and Tim
Hardaway "were said to be the most vocal opponents of the
union's decision to boycott the world championships. They
believe they were sold out to settle personal grudges"
(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/21). In St. Paul, Jim Caple wrote on
the players' decision to boycott the event under the header,
"U.S. Doesn't Need Its NBA Whiners" (PIONEER PRESS, 6/21).
MONEY MATTERS: In N.Y., Phil Mushnick wondered, "What
happens to the millions and millions of dollars in Knick
season-ticket payments and MSG Network subscriber fees if
there's an NBA lockout?" (N.Y. POST, 6/21)....In Chicago,
Lacy Banks quoted one source on the IRS's upcoming
indictments of as many as 15 referees this summer for tax
fraud: "You're going to be shocked at some of the big names
included in the indictments. I'm talking about the best in
the business." Banks cautioned the league against a "death
sentence" for the indicted refs: "The NBA may find itself
with a mediocre refereeing crew if it doesn't restore some
of these men to their livelihood once their punishment has
been meted out" (SUN-TIMES, 6/21)....NBC's Jay Leno: "I
wonder if the guys in the NBA get a little jumpy every time
the phone rings on Father's Day?" ("Tonight Show," 6/19).
