11.   If the union were decertified, Kessler said, the NBA could not lock out the players, as it has threatened to do.

12.   Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer for the players seeking to decertify the union, was disappointed by the vote.

13.   Jordan and his group would rather decertify their union than bargain away crucial points with the lockout weapon pointed at their heads.

14.   Jordan and Ewing led the unsuccessful effort to decertify the union.

15.   Last summer, a three-month lockout was imposed and ended when the players voted to ratify a modified labor agreement rather than decertify their union.

16.   Minnesota Timberwolves guard Micheal Williams said that if he had millions to fall back on, he probably would have voted to decertify the union.

17.   On one side, Michael Jordan and his band of dissidents want to decertify the union and kill the agreement.

18.   Once it reaches that step, any labor contract signed thereafter would become void if the union is decertified.

19.   On Wednesday, NBA players seeking to decertify their union have a hearing before the National Labor Relations Board in New York.

20.   Once the union is decertified, the company can break off those talks, said John Comparin, Alltel vice president.