21.   The league is trying to cut down on such apparel, and Sheffield wears a protective guard on his left forearm.

22.   The league had tried desperately since March to fashion a fundable stadium plan in Los Angeles with the Ovitz and Broad groups.

23.   The league has been trying to place the All-Star Weekend in its newer venues.

24.   The league has tried to reel in excessive celebration, strengthening rules to stop dances in the end zone after touchdowns.

25.   The league tries to downplay its intimidatingly strong position.

26.   The league tried to appease him last March by agreeing to allow him to negotiate a deal with Hollywood Park race track for a new stadium.

27.   The league tried to work out a financial arrangement where the Rams would pay compensation to the league for making the move.

28.   The NBA puts on an annual rookie orientation every summer, and the league tries to show the youngsters every evil hiding around every corner.

29.   The question is whether the league would try to stop them.

30.   Trying to learn from their mistakes, the league is now trying to exert some control over what happens next in Los Angeles.