1.   And a leader who ceases to take sides simply abdicates his role and hands authority over to his strongest competitors.

2.   And, as Vanbiesbrouck abdicated his role as a team leader, no one emerged as a replacement.

3.   Frankly, we have abdicated our role.

4.   Hundt now says he never meant the FCC would abdicate its role.

5.   The owners who spoke also pledged their allegiance to Stern, who like other sports commissioners during times of labor strife has abdicated his role as neutral arbitrator.

6.   The United States is in the process of abdicating its role as the world leader on international trade.