1.   The firm I wanted to use had prior commitments.

2.   Although she has some prior commitments on some days Ireland is expected to be on hand for the Wednesday Pro-Am and the weekend.

3.   Also eligible will be Americans who have been playing professionally overseas and retired NBA players who do not have prior commitments.

4.   As jet-set sweethearts, they are drawn together despite prior commitments, only to run afoul of a tragic accident.

5.   A local resident, he begged off, citing a prior commitment.

6.   A notable no-show was House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who said he had a prior family commitment.

7.   A spokesman said Wilson had a prior commitment in California.

8.   Also, free agent Jerry Ball was in practice after being excused the first three days because of a prior commitment.

9.   Claiming a prior commitment, he never considered coming to the last Presidents Cup and no one was surprised.

10.   Except for a prior commitment in San Francisco next year, he will not conduct opera elsewhere in the United States, the Met said.