31.   A-Rod, one of the most eloquent players in the game, refuses to openly discuss his feelings about the possibility of playing without Ivan Rodriguez.

32.   Apparently not satisfied that three crucial defensive starters were suspended for breaking NCAA rules, USC tried playing without a fourth on Saturday against California.

33.   As it turned out, playing without Payton was too much to overcome as the Sonics lost their third game in a row on the road.

34.   As skilled and creative as he is, he is often criticized by more adventurous players, who say he plays without emotion.

35.   As to how long the mercurial John Starks can keep misfiring until being seated and how many minutes Derek Harper can play without water, they will soon learn.

36.   Audiences love to watch a big ego ignite, and divalike actresses have had the chance to play themselves without fear of embarrassment.

37.   Back when Lee Nailon was deciding whether to enter the NBA draft, TCU coach Billy Tubbs wondered what it would be like to play without the All-American center.

38.   Baltimore has been playing without center fielder Brady Anderson, who has a collarbone injury that hurts every time he swings.

39.   At times, he will use a three-guard offense and play without a center.

40.   Barnett said Gretzky did not want to go through next season with the uncertainty that shadowed Messier last season when he played without a contract extension.