21.   After all, the NBA, through its retired players association, had paid for his education.

22.   All figures are estimates based on news media reports and will not be confirmed until filed with the league and the players association.

23.   But in the last negotiating session between the league and the union two weeks ago, the players association refused to go forward unless the Bird exception remains.

24.   But players are another matter, because the players association would challenge a fine through the grievance procedure.

25.   But the business of the players association, or the White Sox, or the Yankees, or the Dodgers should be subjugated to the business of baseball.

26.   But Orza said if the situation remains unresolved in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday, the players association would intervene.

27.   But the players association has told the team that Smith would not return if Don Nelson, its coach and general manager, remains in Dallas.

28.   But the owners also know that revenue-sharing matters are subject to approval by the players association because revenue sharing is included in the labor agreement.

29.   But Stanton, the Yankees and the players association are maintaining the pitcher is being punished unjustly.

30.   But the viewpoint of the players association could change.