1.   Altman declines the opportunity to characterize himself as the newest media investment gunslinger to ride into town.

2.   A US military attack was said to be unlikely, though Christopher declined an opportunity to rule it out.

3.   After declining an opportunity to try to form a new government himself, Rao told Sharma that Congress would support Gowda.

4.   After an awkward two days in which Jones declined several opportunities to endorse his embattled head coach, Gailey was unceremoniously let go.

5.   All the potential ghostwriters either could not be reached for comment, or declined the opportunity to do so.

6.   Defense lawyers declined the opportunity Thursday to cross-examine either Wernick or Schoer.

7.   Earlier, speaking in a soft voice, he declined the opportunity to make a statement.

8.   Even David Cone declined an opportunity to sign with the Yankees that season, calling them too disorganized.

9.   Garner turned down a lucrative offer to return to his alma mater of Auburn, and linebackers coach Brad Lambert declined an opportunity to become defensive coordinator at Tulane.

10.   Garcia Abrego was silent during the proceedings, declining an opportunity to make a statement to the court.