NBA: In Atlanta, Curtis Bunn writes that the NBA "seems
on its way back to prominence," with NBA arenas "filled to
capacity, with the aid of cheap-ticket promotions" and the
TV networks "satisfied with viewership. So far." Bunn:
"The NBA has not driven its game down the fans' throats --
yet. But make no mistake: The billion-dollar marketing
machine is in motion" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 2/12). The
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR'S Douglas Looney writes that fans
are watching games, but "warily." Looney tells the NBA:
"Like a misbehaved youngster, you must make serious amends.
We're waiting" (CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, 2/12). In
Milwaukee, Dan Manoyan writes under the header, "Fans
Apparently Willing To Forgive, Forget Lockout" (MILWAUKEE
JOURNAL SENTINEL, 2/12)....Meanwhile, agent Steve Woods'
arbitration case to appeal the loss of his license last
month is scheduled for February 23. Arbitrator George
Nicolau will oversee the proceedings (TORONTO SUN, 2/12).
CFL/NFL: The CFLPA has "at least" C$1M warchest in case
of a league lockout. The funds are from "merchandising and
licensing fee arrangements ... as well as various cost-
cutting measures" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 2/12)....CFL
Commissioner John Tory said that the league's $3M loan
agreement with the NFL, in which NFL teams can sign CFL
players, "does not allow those players to then be assigned"
to AFL or NFL Europe teams (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 2/12). In
Edmonton, Scott Zerr writes that if the NFL signs a CFL
player in their option year, they need to make the NFL team
roster. In other news, the CFL will make its first $300,000
payment on the NFL's $3M loan (EDMONTON SUN, 2/12).
NOTES: New LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw is profiled by
the HARTFORD COURANT's Bruce Berlet, who writes that Votaw
is "well equipped to handle" the position, despite being the
"youngest commissioner of a major sport in America."
Berlet: "He has a smooth, erudite style and quick wit that
is a combination of [Former LPGA Commissioner Jim] Ritts and
[Former LPGA Commissioner] Charlie Meachem" (HARTFORD
COURANT, 2/12)....In N.Y., Neal Travis writes that Yankees
Owner George Steinbrenner "is working his political
connections to ensure" that if there is an MLB exhibition
series with the Cuban national team, it will include the
Yankees and not Peter Angelos' Orioles (N.Y. POST, 2/12).
