NBA lockout latest: Day 102
It was the news all Basketball fans dreaded hearing.
However, If we were honest with ourselves it was the news we all expected, especially after all training camps and pre-season games had fallen by the way side!
On the 102nd day of the Lockout, the NBA confirmed that the first two weeks of the regular 2011-2012 season, were indeed cancelled.
After another two days of bargaining negotiations in New York, (Sunday and Monday) both the NBPA and the NBA failed to reach common ground yet again and therefore the dispute is still ongoing.
In total, exactly 100 games from the start of the season will be missed throughout the period of November 1st-14th 2011.
NBA Commissioner David Stern said to NBA.com…
“We are very, very far apart on virtually all issues.We just have a gulf that separates us.”
The main issue between the two parties and the ‘gulf’ that Stern speaks of, is the dispute over Basketball Related Income (BRI).
Billy Hunter, Executive Director of the NBPA and the players continue to hold out for a 53% share, after already coming down from the 57% they held in the previous labor agreement.
The most offered by the NBA is a 50-50 split. David Stern however, after yesterday’s breakdown in negotiations, has now said the league has reverted back to its original offering of just 47%. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that both Stern and Hunter are yet to schedule any more meetings going forward.
Stern and Hunter were in similar situations in 1998 when a 204 day lockout period stopped games, resulting in a 50 game season. Season ticket holders this time round have been told they will receive refunds, plus interest for the games that have been cancelled throughout the opening two week period.
More than 70 players now have decided to sign contracts or show real interest with teams overseas, with the option to return to the NBA league once an agreement has been made.
Players that have decided to stay Stateside have displayed their solidarity by regular messages on twitter reading ‘LET US PLAY’ and are relishing any opportunity to get back in the game.
Fans got a glimpse of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh at Florida International University last week as The Miami Heat trio were in a charity action for disadvantaged youth and families. It seems it’ll take a lot more than the lockout to keep these players from stepping onto the court.
The dispute continues… Watch this space!