It is comforting to know that while our country continues to battle over percentages, professional sports press on to keep us entertained distracted. But, of course, since professional sports is comprised of mostly people (a ball is usually involved) there has to be conflict. We learned last week that Major League Baseball agreed to a five-year deal collective bargaining agreement that really ironed out some key issues. Phew.
Other highlights of the deal include:
- Players will be required to play in the All-Star Game unless injured or excused.
- Players, managers and coaches may not use smokeless tobacco products during televised interviews and may not carry them in their uniforms.
- Players arrested for DWI will be required to undergo mandatory evaluation.
Yes, a “highlight” of a labor agreement involved what to do with players arrested for driving under the influence. How about an agreement that players not drive under the influence? I know, I know, crazy talk.
And now we learn that the NBA has confirmed the Players Union and League Owners have come to a tentative deal that will end the lockout with the 2011-12 NBA season beginning on Christmas Day.
Commissioner David Stern says the two sides have reached a “tentative understanding that is subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations.”
For the love the game, right? And nothing says fun like a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end.
This deal does mean that the arena issue is back on the table.
The potential resolution comes at a key moment for Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s efforts to build a downtown arena to replace aging Power Balance Pavilion, and persuade the Kings’ ownership to keep the team in Sacramento beyond this season. Johnson and the City Council are expected to discuss arena financing at their Dec. 13 meeting. The NBA and Kings have given Sacramento until March 1, 2012 to put together an arena financing deal, or risk seeing the Kings move to another city.
Occupy Chapter 11 Pavilion, anyone?
The Sac Rag 