NBA games and the League Pass

[snoopy1@xxxxxxx]

Ok, I finally got some info--after calls to the cable company, the NBA, the 
Celtics, and some guy names Murray who felt left out.

The NBA is "officially" launching their "NBAtv" channel as of a couple of 
weeks ago.  They've separated it from the rest of the League Pass--and that 
includes whatever games ALSO end up on the new channel.  If YOUR 
cable/satellite provider no longer gets--or never had--the NBA.tv channel, 
with the commentary, game updates, classic games, etc; then you WON'T get 
any games on that new channel.

That includes TWO Celtics games in February.

The NBA is in negotiations with various providers to try to get on their 
lineups independently of the League Pass lineups, but there's only been two 
takers so far.

I called my provider and explained to them that since we'd been required to 
pay up front for all the games--excluding ONLY regional blackout, ABC, TNT, 
ESPN and ESPN2--either I wanted them to provide the channel, at no further 
cost (until next season, anyway); or compensate me for decreasing the value 
of what I bought with no prior warning and no choice.

They tried to pass the buck to "InDemand", but I pointed out that I was 
paying THEM.  if they wanted to get it back, let THEM call 
"InDemand".  After consulting with a manager, they agreed that since 
there'd been no prior notice (you know, such as:"after date X, we will no 
longer have this..."), and it WAS a devaluation of the value, they owed 
me.  I got 50% off the total cost of the Pass credited to my account.

I encourage anyone who finds themselves locked into this mess by the 
greed--and stupidity--of the NBA to call your provider and let them know 
what you expect.  Personally, I'd rather have the games, but short of that, 
it will make it easier on my cable bill next month.

Snoopy the Celtics Beagle
Please visit the 
<http://users.mfi.net/fluteaphrael/celticsbeagle/celtics.html>Celtics 
Beagle <http://users.mfi.net/fluteaphrael/celticsbeagle/celtics.html>website