NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts said that former NBAer Lamar Odom's recent drug overdose "has 'reignited' discussions to create a program to aid NBA players who are transitioning toward retirement," according to Marc Spears of YAHOO SPORTS. Roberts: "There has been a dearth of services in terms of adhering to the guys' needs. One of the things we spend a lot of time dealing with is the complete absence of any type of transition program for the guys." She added, "We're sort of deciding how we can fill that space. Technically, our players are paying dues for services of current members. So there will have to be some buy-in. There is also clearly a lot of buy-in from the membership in terms of our operating health insurance for any retired player. The desire to be supportive of retired players is there among the current members." Meanwhile, Roberts "hopes to begin negotiations with the NBA on a new CBA in November." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver this offseason said that there are teams "still losing money." Roberts said, "I'm assuming that is information given to him by owners. I don't think he's making it up. That's information that is conveyed to him. I don't know that he believes it. I assume he does because he said (it). I don't believe it." She added, "It may be that (teams) didn't have a positive (financial result). But to say that therefore that the value of their franchise is in anyway diminished is a different question. C'mon, this game is exploding in terms of popularity and revenue" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/22).
