31.   But that also could have brought a litany of problems, including a grievance from the players association.

32.   But that is not how Roger Noll, an economist at Stanford University and consultant to the players association, sees it.

33.   But the players association has decreed that anybody playing in an exhibition game is a strikebreaker.

34.   But their merchandise cannot be sold until Irabu has signed his major league contract and is a member of the players association.

35.   Carter may still retain Black in the wake of the allegations, but the players association has shown recently it does not tolerate unbecoming behavior from its agents.

36.   Citing confidentiality, neither NBA Commissioner David Stern nor Billy Hunter, the executive director of the players association, would comment on the drug-test results.

37.   Commissioner Bud Selig denied that request in December, but the players association filed a grievance.

38.   Cone seemed befuddled after Strawberry was ordered to leave the field, and Cone promised to call the players association for a clarification.

39.   Dam ruled after four days of testimony last week in Manhattan by lawyers from the NBA, the Knicks, the Blazers, the players association and Dudley himself.

40.   Donald Fehr, head of the players association, said he was prepared to listen to any proposals the baseball officials might make.