JOIN IN: In Phoenix, Jeff Metcalfe writes that the WNBA
proposed an expanded playoff format at its league meetings
last week that would keep teams playing in their conference
until the championship. The playoff field would increase
from four to six teams, with the extra round consisting of a
single game between the second- and third-place finisher in
each conference. The conference champions would have byes.
The plan is one of three which will be discussed by the
competition committee, which will make the recommendation to
the operating committee (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/25).
NOTES: In Indianapolis, Robin Miller profiles mediator
John Van Winkle who wants to "reunite" IRL President Tony
George and CART. Van Winkle operates Van Winkle Dispute
Resolution and works under JAMS Endispute, a nationwide
panel of 350 retired lawyers and judges who "play referee"
to corporate and civil disagreements. Van Winkle: "First
off, it would be a fascinating project, and trying to bring
it back together would be very good for everybody involved"
(STAR-NEWS, 11/25)....USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke reports that
the proposed 12-team NBC-Turner football league will run
from May to Labor Day starting in 2000 (USA TODAY, 11/25).
