The NBA "defended its minimum age requirement to Congress," but U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) was "unmoved and is asking to meet with top league officials to discuss it," according to letters cited by Frederic Frommer of the AP. NBA President of League & Basketball Operations Joel Litvin in a recent letter to Cohen said that the "purpose of the requirement is to promote the league's business interests by 'increasing the chances that incoming players will have the requisite ability, experience, maturity and life skills' to perform at a high level." He added that the policy also "helps teams make informed hiring decisions." Litvin contended that the rule is "motivated by 'business considerations,' not a desire to force players to attend college against their wishes." However, Cohen yesterday in a letter to Litvin maintained that players should have the "'economic freedom' to make their own decisions." Cohen has "asked for a meeting" with Litvin and NBA Commissioner David Stern, adding that he would "consider both hearings and legislation if the requirement remains" ( AP, 7/20 ). DEFENDING THE FAST BREAK : In Illinois, Mike McGraw noted the "question in the coming months is whether NBA owners have the self-discipline to hold the line on spending." The league has "warned teams that the salary cap could fall" by as much as $5M for the '10-11 season, but the "real threat is the luxury-tax threshold falling." If teams are "stuck with a bunch of big contracts, they could end up paying a huge tax bill at a time when revenues are falling," which could be a "significant problem for small-market teams" ( Illinois DAILY HERALD, 7/20 ). Bulls Chair Jerry Reinsdorf, when asked about the health of the NBA, said, "If in fact the number of teams that are reputed to be losing money are losing money, then the league has a problem. And it has to be dealt with" ( CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/21 ). IN GOOD STANDING : While some analysts believe Rockets C Yao Ming's foot surgery that will require him to miss the '09-10 season will harm the league's growth effort in China, REUTERS' Ben Klayman reported other analysts claim that the NBA will not "feel the pain," as it has "grown beyond any one player there." The sport's popularity in China "should allow the NBA to shake off the loss." Univ. of Oregon Warsaw Sports Marketing Center Managing Dir Paul Swangard said, "Yao's absence, while disappointing, will not damage the NBA China effort. Rather, it will demonstrate how diversified the business has already become" ( REUTERS, 7/17 ).
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