1.   Only Rugby Union holds out against the commercial tide despite widespread speculation about covert payments to players.

2.   There was widespread speculation about his political plans.

3.   The extent to which such units comprised a network supported by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was a matter of widespread speculation.

4.   Although both men have denied it, there has been widespread speculation of strain between Redstone and Karmazin.

5.   And he vehemently denied widespread speculation that he is using the nomination squabble as a pretext to flee a job with which he has grown bored.

6.   But Knight was not fired, contrary to widespread speculation in the last few days.

7.   But there is widespread speculation that the results will be disappointing or equivocal, although longer studies may still show benefits for some women.

8.   But there is widespread speculation that he may have been released by the rebels.

9.   Despite widespread speculation in London that he left to rejoin a partner in the United States, there is no partner, people close to him say.

10.   Even before she took the oath of office, there was widespread speculation about which committee assignments Clinton would receive once the new Congress is completely organized.