21.   The league would likely allow a team to do both if the union accepted its proposal for a pay scale for Bird free agents.

22.   The problem is that there is no certainty the league would allow it, though the NFL might not be able to stop it.

23.   This is the third straight year the league has allowed the fans to participate in the voting.

24.   This year, the league allowed Favre to drink again.

25.   -- The league is allowing players to be interviewed on TV at halftime for the first time.

26.   The deal broke down when it became apparent the league would not allow the move.

27.   The players argued unsuccessfully that the league has not allowed them the freedom to sell their services.

28.   The NBA discourages referees from commenting after games, and Tuesday night the league would not allow pool reporters to interview the officials.