6B
Monday. September 23,1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Little time left for labor deal
By Ronald Blum
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK — If acting commissioner Bud Selig wants a labor deal, he needs to decide this week.
Management negotiator Randy Levine and union head Donald Fehr return to work tomorrow following Yom Kippur. The pair, according to several sources, have told each other that if an agreement isn't finalized this week, it isn't likely to happen this year.
Since the ruling executive council met Sept. 11 in Chicago, Selig hasn't given any indications of his thinking. Supporters of a deal and those against an agreement report that their conversations with Selig leave them with the impression that he is on their side.
Selig and Levine spent the weekend in Milwaukee, and they planned to discuss the labor situation before attending temple together. Heading into the weekend, both factions appeared to agree that Selig could get a deal ratified by owners if he wanted to.
Fehr said it would be difficult to ratify a new labor contract before the end of the World Series unless there was an agreement this week. Once the postseason starts, players on 20 teams will have headed home, some to vacations that will make them hard to find.
If a deal isn't in place by the end of the postseason, players will start filing for free agency under the rules of the contract that expired in December 1993, a deal kept in force by a federal court order.
And if Selig doesn't make a decision, he by default sides with Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who would rather continue using the old system for another year and come back with an entirely new proposal, possibly with a salary cap. His strategy, according to several sources, is to present a plan, refuse to budge and attempt to unilaterally impose it.
If that ever happens, union officials say players would strike again. Not having an agreement leads to the following ramifications:
No interleague play in 1997.
No revenue sharing money this year for small-market teams.
A renewal of the television fight, with low-revenue teams threatening to prevent their home games from being televised to the cities of certain visiting teams.
- Some teams threatening to refuse to let estestations televise their games.
Several major corporations refusing to sign commitments with major league baseball.
Selig getting at least one additional year as acting commissioner.
Levine's resignation as the owners' negotiator.
All this follows the millions of dollars lost since the strike.
Owners, who say the 28 teams combined for operating losses of $363.8 million in 1994 and $305.3 million last year, project additional losses of $150 million this season, according to early estimates.
Revenue for 1996 is projected to total between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion, still below the $1.865 billion taken in during 1993, the last year before the crippling 232-day strike.
Attendance was down 20 percent on a per-game basis last season and has rebounded just 6 percent this year, far below management's preseason projection, according to several sources.
Many of the small-market teams had been counting on the revenue-sharing money. According to the latest management projections, 11 teams would receive more than $2 million each: Pittsburgh $4.7 million, Kansas City $4.5 million, Montreal $4.5 million, Detroit $4.4 million, Minnesota $4 million, Milwaukee $3.7 million, Oakland $3.2 million, Cincinnati $3 million, California $2.7 million, San Diego $2.7 million and Houston $2.5 million.
Nine teams would pay more than $1 million apiece: the New York Yankees $5.5 million, Cleveland $5 million, Baltimore $5 million, Atlanta $4 million, Los Angeles $3.4 million, Texas $2.8 million, Boston $2.7 million, Chicago $2.4 million and Toronto $1.2 million.
The corporate world has noticed the lack of stability and many firms are continuing to hold off firm deals with baseball until they see an agreement that ensures stability and peace.
When Greg Murphy, the owners' new marketing head, spoke to the executive council 10 days ago, he said he was close to agreements with MasterCard, IBM, Nike, Reebok and Microsoft. But, he added, those companies won't sign until there's a new collective bargaining agreement.
If there's a deal this week, a luxury tax will decrease the disparity in payrolls among the large- and small-market teams in the next three seasons. If there's no deal, baseball's attempt to recover from the strike appears stuck for at least one more year.
HOROSCOPES
Today's Birthday (Sept. 23)
You'll be brilliant this year. Write down the ideas you're having before you forget any. In late November, turn over a new leaf. Dump what doesn't work and get started on a new path. Keep things traditional in December and launch a new project with love in February. Finalize an agreement in April. Friendship leads to romance in August. Watch out for a bureaucratic tangle in September.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Today is a 9.
Today is a 9.
You're in a fine frame of mind. Creative projects of all kinds should flow out of you. Save the ones you can't do now for later. An old friendship may ignite into romance if the time is right. This commitment could be for keeps.
Today is a 4.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
TODAY IN A
There could be a conflict today between you and one of your housemates. Trouble is, you're both very stubborn and both partially right. Work out a compromise. You'll hear some interesting gossip later. Keep it private.
Squittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Tackle that pile of paperwork you've been saving and get it done. Technical material should be easier than usual, so fix that thing that's broken. A get-together with neighbors tonight will be informative as well as a lot of fun.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today is a 4.
Don't buy something you don't understand, even if the salesperson tells you it will save time and trouble. Get the proof before you sign the papers. Your boss may be interested in giving you more benefits. Do the paperwork yourself to make it easier.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)
Today is a 9.
If you're under financial pressure, talk to a close relative privately. It's worth a bit of a drive to find the right place for dinner tonight. Don't go alone; take a person who can spur your creative talents to new heights.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today is a 4.
You may have to deal with a communication mix-up today. It could have something to do with insurance or health care, but it's not
serious - more like a pain in the neck. A cozy dinner for two, with pie, would ease your worried mind tonight.
Today is a 9.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Group activities lead to lasting friendships today. Misunderstandings could crop up at work, however. Make sure to be clear if you're giving directions, and ask questions until you're sure you know what another wants of you. Pay attention to those who show concern.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today is a 4.
Don't let a coworker take up valuable time with something that has no practical value. Instead, call an old friend who can help you turn what you have into more. If you don't agree with an authority figure, use your own judgment.
take time out for long-range planning. An international opportunity could work out very well. Discuss the possibilities with your sweetheart. Luckily, you're excellent at learning languages. For a hot tip, contact a friend who lives far
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 10.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
away.
Today is a 4.
Don't overlook a detail which will prove to be expensive. Finish correspondence this morning, especially if it pertains to debt. Avoid pressure to buy something fashionable if it will ruin your budget. Your future security is more important than whimsies right now.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is on 8
Today is an 8.
A partnership based on trust will do well today, but one based on obligation could be trouble. If it's not in you best interests, don't do it. Keep after an idea that's just out of reach. It may hinge on something you don't know how to do yet.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 22)
Today is a 5.
You may get to learn how to operate a new machine or computer program. Give it your full attention; it could increase your paycheck. If a friend seems unappreciative, don't worry. Reward yourself later, in the company of a more sensitive person.
Note: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact.
Nebraska falls to No.8 as polls are reshuffled
Arizona sears No.1 Huskers
The Associated Press
Florida struck first, then Arizona State. Notre Dame kicked in, too, with a dramatic last-second victory.
The results produced a reshuffled Top 25 and set up another Saturday of big games in the quest for the national title.
Just ask Nebraska. The two-time defending national champions were No. 1 in the last 12 polls before Saturday night's improbable 19-0 loss to Arizona State. Yesterday, the Huskers tumbled to No. 8 in the AP poll. Last season, the Huskers beat the Sun Devils 77-28.
This weekend, it's No. 3 Ohio State at No. 5 Notre Dame, No. 11 North Carolina at No. 2 Florida State and Kentucky at new No. 1 Florida. And don't forget that No. 6 Arizona State, slayer of Nebraska, is home against Oregon.
"I think everybody felt like Nebraska would go right on through again," Spurrier said. "It's a total surprise they got beat."
"We are pleased, happy and excited to be able to win our game," Gators coach Steve Spurrier said after a 35-29 victory against Tennessee before an NCAA record on-campus crowd of 107,608 at Neyland Stadium. "It's a nice thing to be No. 1 and we appreciate the honor. As we know, being No. 1 is a fleeting thing."
inere was a last-second surprise in Austin, Texas, where freshman John Sanson kicked a 39-yard field goal as time expired to lift Notre Dame to a 27-24 defeat of Texas.
"I was real nervous, but I just wanted a chance," said Sanson, nicknamed "Foul Ball" by coach Lou Holtz because he missed so many field goals in practice. "I told him to keep calling me that to get me mad. I wanted to prove him wrong."
In other games involving the Top 25 new rankings, scores were: No. 3 Penn State 41, Temple 0; No. 4 Ohio State 72, Pittsburgh 0; No. 7 Michigan 20, Boston College 14; No. 11 North Carolina 16, Georgia Tech 0; No. 14 Alabama 17, Arkansas 7; No. 15 Southern California 26, Houston 9; No. 16 Kansas State 34, Rice 7; No. 17 LSU 19, No. 22
Auburn 15; No. 18 Virginia Tech 30, Rutgers 14; No. 21 Washington 31, Arizona 17; No. 23 West Virginia 20, Purdue 6; No. 24 BYU 17, New Mexico 14; and No. 25 northwestern 28, Ohio 7.
No. 2 Florida State defeated North Carolina State 51-17 Thursday night.
Florida defeated Tennessee Saturday afternoon, putting them in position for the opening at No. 1. At Knoxville, Tenn., Danny Wuerfelt threw four touchdown passes in the first 19 minutes and the Gators intercepted four of Peyton Manning's passes, which helped them build a 35-6 half-time lead. Manning had only four interceptions all of last season.
Wuerffel was 11-of-22 for 155 yards, while Manning finished 37-of-65 for 492 yards — all school records — and four touchdowns. But it was too little too late for the Vols, who had hoped to avenge last year's 62-37 loss to the Gators.
"We came in very prepared and jumped out of the box in good shape," said Spurrier.
"we got ourselves in a big hole and it was difficult to overcome." Vols coach Phillip Fulner said. "I take responsibility for the way the game went."
The crowd broke the previous attendance mark of 106,867 at Michigan Stadium for Ohio State versus Michigan Nov. 20, 1993.
In other games of note:
Ohio State handed Pitt its worst loss — 72-0 — as Pepe Pearson and freshman David Boston each scored three touchdowns. ... USC topped Houston 26-9 as John Allred caught 10 passes — the most ever by a Trojan tight end — and Brad Otton threw two touchdown passes to Billy Miller. ... Brian Kavanagh tied his own school record with four touchdown passes — three to Jimmy Dean — in Kansas State's 34-7 win at Rice. ... Virginia Tech's 13-game winning streak is the longest in the nation, but the Hokies needed three second-half field goals by freshman Shayne Graham to seal a 30-14 win against Rutgers. ... Raion Hill returned an interception for a touchdown and another for a defensive extra point, sending LSU past Auburn 19-15. ... Troy Davis had 241 yards and five touchdowns on 53 carries to power Iowa State past Northern Iowa 42-23. ... In a 15-12 loss to Georgia, Texas Tech's Byron Hanspard ran for 214 yards, the fourth time in five games he has gained at least 200 yards.
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