1.   I plead lack of practice.

2.   Provincial and town officials, meanwhile, seem nonplussed by the situation, each pleading a lack of authority to guard a cemetery that has never been formally designated.

3.   Unlike many such moves, when the departing team pleads lack of local support, the Browns have been among the best-backed franchises in professional sports.

4.   Suspended shot putter Randy Barnes is pleading lack of knowledge in his positive doping test, saying he did not know a nutritional supplement was banned under IAAF rules.

5.   The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games has shown little interest in continuing the program, pleading a lack of resources.