11.   Bettman has proposed that an accounting firm audit the books and present its report to the players association.

12.   Billy Hunter, executive director of the players association, was in Miami Wednesday night and could not be reached for comment.

13.   Billy Hunter, executive director of the players association, sent an end-of-the-season mailing to his constituency last Wednesday.

14.   Billy Hunter, the executive director of the NBA players association, does not believe the problem is as rampant as it is perceived.

15.   Billy Hunter, the usually perceptive head of the players association, says no one is forcing the teams to draft the youngsters.

16.   Billy Hunter, executive director of the players association, said he believed Jordan probably would be back.

17.   A spokesman for the players association said the union was not told of the policy.

18.   A union official who declined to speak for attribution, said the players association was not happy about the most recent development.

19.   A spokesperson for the players association said Friday that the union did not plan to file an appeal regarding the suspensions.

20.   According to two hockey officials, Stevens will enter the second phase of the substance abuse program run by the league and the players association.