Broadcast.com co-Founder Mark Cuban, on talks with
Mario Lemieux and Penguins co-Owner Roger Marino about
joining one of the groups: "There's a lot of good things
happening. I'm happy to help wherever I can. We've agreed
on all the big things. ... I like both groups" (TRIBUNE-
REVIEW, 5/7). NHL Senior VP/Legal Affairs William Daly, on
the Pens' reorganization: "I have seen positive signs over
the last two weeks, including the fact that SMG and Mario's
people are talking. ... The question is what can Mario live
with and what can SMG live with" (USA TODAY, 5/7).
OTHER NOTES: Yesterday's Devil Rays' attendance of
15,321 against the Royals broke the franchise record for
lowest attendance for the second time in four days (ORLANDO
SENTINEL, 5/7)....Palace Sports President Tom Wilson said
that Bill Davidson's acquisition of the NHL Lightning should
close by May 24, five weeks sooner than originally expected
(TAMPA TRIBUNE, 5/7)....Reds attendance this year is "down
slightly" from last year, despite signing such players as OF
Greg Vaughn. Reds Managing Exec John Allen said that he
"anticipated" an attendance increase, and cited that as a
reason why the team took out an ad in the Cincinnati
Enquirer for the first time ever, "hyping" Wednesday's
matchup between Randy Johnson and Steve Avery. The ads led
to an attendance increase of "only" 1,500 (CINCINNATI
ENQUIRER, 5/7)....The MetroStars officially opened their
first retail store yesterday in West New York, NJ, becoming
the first MLS team to open their own store (MetroStars).
