The owners’ latest offer was rejected by the NBA Players Association, which has initiated the process to disband their union, putting the entire 2011-2012 pro basketball season at risk.
“Billy Hunter, the executive director of the players union, stated, ‘The players feel they’re not prepared to accept any ultimatum.'”
He described the offer as “extremely unfair” concerning NBA management’s stance.
Players had the choice to accept the proposal for a shortened 72-game schedule starting December 15, or to decline it altogether through a vote.
NBA commissioner David Stern had earlier cautioned that if the current proposal was turned down, the owners would return with a more stringent offer.
“We’re not going to cancel the season this week,” Stern asserted.
“We’re simply going to share with them what we previously indicated.”
However, Stern acknowledged that for the NBA to commence a 72-game season, a new collective bargaining agreement would likely need to be reached within the next week.
A major point of contention remains the allocation of around $3.92 billion in annual revenue.
Previously, players obtained 57 percent of basketball-related income, though they indicated readiness to accept a decrease to 52.5 percent.
Stern indicated that if the recent offer was declined, any subsequent negotiations would entail a revenue split of 53-47 favoring the owners, alongside a flexible salary cap with a hard limit and salary reductions.
Representatives for the players expressed their willingness to disband the union and pursue an antitrust lawsuit against the league due to the ongoing lockout, which has extended beyond four months.
Stern, expressing sadness and “terrible disappointment,” signified that the season’s prospects did not look promising.
“Frankly, Billy Hunter’s irresponsible action at this late date has placed the season in jeopardy and deprived his union members of a significant payday,” Stern remarked.
The league has already canceled all games scheduled for November—essentially a full month of action in a season that was set to begin on November 1.
by Buford Balony
