Labor strife unlocked: A merry NBA Christmas
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Nov 2011
MUCH like a divorce, when love turns to hate, this labor spat was bitter, filled with bickering, name-calling and angry finger-pointing. And in its midst, a federal anti-trust lawsuit came thisclose to getting full-blown.
But after 15 hours of unrelenting negotiations on Black Friday, common sense prevailed. At last, the 149-day NBA lockout had seen the light. And pending ratification from both sides, the 2011-12 NBA season will open its doors to the public in time for the holidays.
Terms of the tentative deal were not immediately made available, but NBA commissioner David Stern made it implicitly clear that difficult work lies ahead. The deal, he said, "was subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25."
Let's let the lawyers in their Armani suits iron the intricate details of this handshake agreement. Bottomline is, at the end of the day, basketball will be played and hoops fans around the world can once again watch their heroes in shorts return to action in the hardwood, where they belong.
The NBA will return with a bang, on Christmas Day as previously mentioned. And as a gift to its anguished consumers, the league has packaged a TV triple-header sure to make every fan merry and bright.
The 2011-12 seasons opens with the Boston Celtics invading the famed Madison Square Garden in New York to face the surging Knicks, It will be followed by an NBA Finals rematch between the Mavericks and the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where Dirk Nowitzki and company will receive their coveted championship rings.
IN THE nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant takes on the Derrick Rose and the rampaging Bulls at the United Center in Chicago.
Training camps are expected to open on Dec.9 but because games from November 1 through Dec 24 have been cancelled, this regular season will be abbreviated to 66 games, 16 more than the 1999 season that was also ravaged by a labor lockout.
The NBA's play resumption isn't just a boon to its players who collect multi-million dollar paychecks. More importantly, it's a much-needed economic relief for the lesser mortals in the industry who toil in the NBA arenas such as the food and beer vendors, ticket sellers, security personnel, valet and parking attendants, etc.
Given up for dead after wading interminably in the labor sea of incertitude, the NBA is very much alive, prompting US president Barrack Obama to give the thumbs-up upon hearing the good news the day after the strike was lifted.
"Finally," said Heat star Dwyane Wade.
Yes, indeed. Merry, merry x'mas, to all of us who share a passion for NBA basketball.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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