71.   Contract negotiation is business.

72.   Contract negotiations are all about leverage, and Cam Neely no longer has any.

73.   Contract negotiations with the union are already under way.

74.   Contract negotiations are destined to be shaped by market forces.

75.   Contract negotiations between the Astros and Wagner recessed after three hours Tuesday with no agreement.

76.   Contract negotiations between the New York Giants and perhaps their best player, defensive end Michael Strahan, until now have had their rough spots without being bitter.

77.   Contract negotiations become a high-stakes game, since a new agreement sets pay rates and work rules for several years.

78.   Contract negotiations began last month.

79.   Contract negotiations opened last month.

80.   Contract negotiations, which have dragged on for months, were being wrapped up this week.