1.   And the Lakers got their most pressing business done quickly this time -- within the first three days of the signing period.

2.   And the Yankees, who originally were considered the favorites for Ramirez at the outset of the free agent signing period, instead went after Mussina.

3.   Because he committed after the signing period, Thurston cannot sign a letter of intent.

4.   Because of its pleasant weather and the looming early-November signing period, September is the busiest month of on-campus visits for recruits of all sports.

5.   A bell does not signal the beginning of the free-agent signing period.

6.   After being short of scholarships, USC suddenly has three for the spring signing period.

7.   Aikman said he wanted the opportunity to shop his services during the height of the free-agent signing period.

8.   All that does is produce an artificially squeezed signing period.

9.   But he backed off his commitment to Auburn only days before the signing period started.

10.   But NBA operations director Rod Thorn said he knew of no tampering claims pending, although charges could emerge once the signing period begins.