Friday, Sept. 10, 2004 | 10:14 a.m.
Lockout on horizon; labor talks break off
After failing to make any progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement, the NHL owners and players agreed on one point: A lockout seems inevitable.
The players' association made its first proposal to the owners in nearly a year Thursday, but it only seemed to seal the fate that a lockout will be imposed Wednesday when the current deal expires.
Ted Saskin, the NHLPA's senior director, said commissioner Gary Bettman concluded the meeting Thursday by saying, "We weren't even talking the same language."
The NHLPA presented a modified plan during the negotiating session Thursday that it first floated last summer and formally offered on Oct. 1, 2003.
It included a luxury-tax system, a change in the entry-level structure, a plan for revenue sharing, and a 5-percent rollback on current player contracts.
And it all fell on deaf ears.
"We spent four hours, and after waiting 15 months, not only didn't we get a proposal that was not really different, but it was a step backward," said Bill Daly, the NHL's chief legal officer.
A step that can't be afforded if the NHL season is going to start on time. The current deal expires Sept. 15, and no new talks were scheduled.
Laettner waived
The Golden State Warriors waived forward Christian Laettner, less than one month after acquiring him in an eight-player trade with the Dallas Mavericks.
Furcal arrested
Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal was arrested early today on charges of driving under the influence, speeding and reckless driving, police said. He was booked into the Atlanta city jail and a judge set bond at $3,200. Furcal's next court date is Oct. 14.
Sindelar up by 2
Joey Sindelar shot a 5-under 66 and held a two-stroke lead over Pat Perez in the rain-delayed opening round of the Canadian Open at Oakville, Ontario.
Smarty fee: $100,000
Smarty Jones' first-year stud fee was set at $100,000 per live foal. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner retired to Three Chimneys Farm on Aug. 16. The farm has been inundated with requests from breeders to cross their mares with the chestnut colt.
Ali talks to Congress
Muhammad Ali, in testimony read to a congressional panel by his wife, Lonnie, asked Congress to create a U.S. Boxing Commission, saying oversight by the federal government is needed to protect boxers from exploitation and injury.
Gladiators hire help
The Las Vegas Gladiators added former af2 head coach Gary Gussman and former NFL Pro Bowl receiver Eddie Brown to new coach Ron James' staff.
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