Re: [CBA] Ball in Owners Park

[Douglas342@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-07-16 18:24:17 EDT, ishbak@conknet.com writes:

<< 
 While I wouldn't doubt that the owners are serious, I would doubt that
 profits have been declining. If the owners truly are losing money why do
 they refuse to open their books(except for the Celtics of course, but the
 Celtics are making money "hand over fist")? One would think that the owners
 would additional bargaining power by publicizing their plight. >>

     As a major (10 shares) shareholder in some entity related to the Celtics,
I get a financial statement every year.  What does it say?  I haven't the
foggiest.  But I betcha that you could show that report to an "owner's
accountant" and have him or her point out all the red ink, and you would walk
away weeping for Gaston and us shareholders.  But then you would walk into the
office of Falk's accountant and end up aghast at the money Gaston is making.
In other words, statistics are what you make of them.  I dislike reading about
labor law and labor negotiations, but at least I understand the language, even
if I hate the hyperbole that always comes to the fore.  ("I need to be treated
with respect!"  Hey, jerkface, you make 8 million bucks a year!!!!!)  If we
get open books and get into analyzing balance sheets, THAT is when I
unsubscribe until tipoff of next season, whenever that is.
     Since we want "serious" suggestions to resolve this mess, how about this:
the highest paid player on the worst team has to take a 50% pay cut the
following season.  That'll give them an incentive to work to build a better
team!   (Noah - joke!)