61.   In addition, sources said the Dodgers are willing to sign Beltre to a multi-year deal to have the players association drop its grievance.

62.   In addition, the players association is keeping a close watch on the investigation, being headed by vice president of on-field operations Frank Robinson.

63.   In challenging the hockey players association, Bettman is taking a calculated risk that is unlike that taken by the baseball owners.

64.   In fact, the day before the All-Star Game the players association will meet and possibly set a strike date.

65.   In both cases, drug policies are determined in conjunction with the players association.

66.   In the suit, the players association said it never agreed to a rule calling for one-game suspensions for players leaving the bench during an altercation.

67.   Is it the players association, which has gone beyond wage and working issues to involvement in the rules of the game?

68.   It was a gift from the owners and the players association, a gesture the two had never done together before.

69.   It is difficult to predict on which points the league and players association will stand firm.

70.   Jeff Kessler, the lead attorney for the players association, said he would request that the trade go forward immediately instead of delaying until after the appeal.