North County Times from Oceanside, California • 21

7T f- rr t- T-rT Thursday, October 6, 1994 Blade-Citizen C3 of these developments Leagues labor pains lead to birth I By Michael Ventre LA. Daily News LOS ANGELES While it is true that there have been no major breakthroughs on the labor front in baseball, hockey and basketball, discussions have produced results on some minor issues. Here are just some of the developments that occurred this week: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will be granted three warning shots. Each NBA player who enters the league between now and 1998 will receive an annual cost-of-living raise that amounts to the current percentage rate of inflation plus $20 million. Any baseball player named Mookie will be eligible for hardship benefits.

The NHL Players Association acquiesced to the concerns of the owners and agreed to have Chris Chelios fixed. The Angels have agreed to spend the winter in the Florida Instructional League before applying for reinstatement to the American League. NHL players who can prove they have five or more of their own teeth can qualify to receive orthodontic benefits. NBA players agreed to attend all games, practice sessions and team functions so long as they do not interfere with their obligations to shoe companies. Acting baseball commissioner Bud Selig conceded that he is a weak and ineffective leader and has agreed to be addressed in further discussions as Bud Light Indians star Albert Belle has agreed to provide every home-plate umpire with a corkscrew.

Richard Ravitch, negotiator for baseballs owners, has agreed to relinquish his position only if he is hired away as the new Diet Coke hunk. NHL players extended an olive branch by agreeing that no one who had more than 200 penalty minutes during the 1993-94 season will be allowed within 50 miles of Gary Bettmans family. Charles Barkleys proposal that would The NHL Players Association characterized a bid to institute a new two-minute penalty for evisceration as an overreac- tion. The NBA Players Association has agreed to consider a proposal by the league to expand and add franchises over-' seas pending a study of each individual nations extradition policies. In the baseball talks, the owners promised to stop referring to fans as the dopes who line our pockets if the players will refrain from calling them suckers with no lives.

Alonzo Mournings suggestion that bas-! ketball be renamed Nike-ball was met with derision. NHL commissioner Bettman empha- sized that he wont be swayed by threats from players or fans. In a related develop- ment, NBA commissioner David Stem denied that Bettman was ever his protege and added, I only met him once or twice, at parties. We just made small talk, OK? Now leave me alone. baseball players, flies around the globe informing major leaguers that absolutely nothing has happened, no meetings have taken place and no sessions are planned, he will be allowed to do so in first class.

The NHL and the players have agreed that no one can be given a game-misconduct penalty until DNA testing is completed. The NBA was granted its request that Dennis Rodmans hair color will be determined by fan balloting. In addition, any woman who marries, cohabitates or otherwise gets involved in a relationship with Rodman will henceforth be known as Princess Dye. In a move related to the baseball talks, several congressmen said they will continue to blow hot air about eliminating the games antitrust exemption but have decided not to accomplish anything on that or any other issue. Baseball owners reiterated their refusal to open their books but have agreed to measure their noses since the last time they claimed that they are losing money.

Commentary allow him to beat the living daylights out of anyone who gets in his way was tabled until next fall. The New York Yankees would not agree to frisk their fans in an effort to prevent the use of handguns in Yankee Stadium, but they did agree to sell ammo on a one-clip-per-customer basis. In an attempt to avoid a costly false-advertising lawsuit, the San Diego Padres have agreed to correctly identify a time-honored custom as the seventh-inning retch. The NHL achieved a major concession in its insistence that no player contract may include an incentive clause for bloodletting. The NBA bowed to the players and declared that a lifetime ban for drug offenses will be reduced from three years to two.

While Donald Fehr, negotiator for the NHL talks turn to name-calling Seifert ousts two in switch The Associated Press With the offense laboring, the San Francisco 49ers changed their lineup Wednesday and installed Frank Pollack at right tackle and rookie William Floyd at fullback. Pollack takes over for Harry Boatswain, who has struggled since replacing Pro Bowler Harris Barton. During a season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Raiders, Barton went down with a torn left triceps and is expected to miss about another month. Associated Press Photo Matt Elliott, left, and Darryl Moore try out for Carolina Panthers. Hey, you, want to play in the NFL? NEW YORK (AP) NHL players rejected two new proposals from the league Wednesday, prompting stinging insults from one owner and his prediction there will be no labor agreement by Oct.

15. The league and the union spent six hours bargaining on a day when discourse degenerated into vituperation, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was forced to apologize for comments of one of the owners. The most important thing in the world when you deal with a union is to have an intelligent union leader, said John McMullen, owner of the New Jersey Devils. We did not have one today. Union head Bob Goodenow said he would not lower himself to respond, and Bettman tried to smoothen the rough edges.

One thing I do not agree with, and it does not speak for the league, is it is not appropriate for us to repudiate anyones intelligence or make a personal comment, Bettman said. I want to go on record as saying I do not think that is the right thing to say. This was the second day of contract negotiations since Bettman shut down the start of the season for at least two weeks. After turning down two offers from the owners, the players said they would come back with a counter-proposal in a day or two. Were going to put together a proposal that will be responsive to the owners needs, said Kelly Miller, player representative of the Washington Capitals.

Hopefully, theyll take it seriously. Goodenow said he would stay in New York to craft the new proposal. Bettman said he expected the parties to return to negotiations in the next day or two. The season was to have started last Saturday, and through Wednesday 26 games have been postponed. Bettman has said he hoped to begin the season Oct 15 provided there was sufficient progress toward a labor agreement.

But none of the owners held out any hope for a settlement by then. I dont think were going to be able to reach an agreement, McMullen said. Its over. The lines are hardening, said Howard Baldwin, owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Im very disappointed, very frustrated.

Im not optimistic at all. Harry Sinden, president and general manager of the Boston Bruins, said he expected exactly what he got from Goodenow hopelessness. We will never capitulate because of the tactics he is using on NFL notes the league, Sinden said. All my fears are realized. I had hoped we would be able to work out a deal.

He has no intention of doing anything to help us. Goodenow, speaking at a news conference following the bargaining session, said the two sides still had fundamental differences. After studying and reviewing the owners proposal, we rejected it, he said. Further in the days events, they came back with a different proposal on the same thing. We rejected that also and said we will be getting back to you with a proposal of our own.

Goodenow said the negotiations were basically stuck on one major issue revenue reallocation, a system to divide income to help the leagues small-market teams. ling franchises first look at talent that might stock the roster when the club enters the league next year along with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Could center Matt Elliott, the final pick of the 1992 NFL draft, or speedy tailback Beno Bryant be in Carolina blue, black and gray when the team opens next season? Probably not But the importance of this milestone was not lost on club officials, the players or the fans who came to watch. Floyd, a first-round pick, unseated Marc Logan to complete the biggest non-injury midseason shuffle in George Seiferts six seasons as coach. Its not a panic move and not something thats being done just because of this last game, Seifert said.

Its not pointing fingers. Its not, By god, we got our butts beat so were overreacting. This is something thats been talked about leading up to this. This follows last Sundays 40-8 loss to Philadelphia, the 49ers worst defeat ever at Candlestick Park. ROCK HILL, S.C.

(AP) The Carolina Panthers took another step toward playing in the NFL with their first workout camp on Wednesday. Six players, almost all with NFL experience, came to run, jump, and catch during a very public workout at the Panthers training facility at Winthrop University. The hour-long exercise was overseen by president Mike McCormack and general manager Bill Polian. It was the fledg Healthy Humphries makes his return to practice By Jay Paris Staff Writer SAN DIEGO The Chargers got a boost although it was expected when quarterback Stan Humphries practiced Wednesday for the first time since the Raiders game on Sept. 25.

CHARGERS notebook career went on from there. If he would have never told the coach our team was sorry, he probably wouldnt have ever played football. K.C. injuries The Chiefs have six players on the injury report, and none is more important than Smith. He had thumb surgery recently and has had a special cast built to allow him to play.

He was hurt against the Rams on Sept 25. Neil is questionable, Schottenheimer said. I think hell play but at this point were listing him as questionable. Ross said he would be shocked if No. 90 with the bandage across his nose didn't go.

Hell play, Ross said. I dont think there is any question about that Other Chiefs making the report doubtful, linebacker Arnold Ale Geg); questionable, wide receivers Lake Dawson (shoulder) and Michael Young (hamstring); probable, running back Ron Dickerson (hamstring) and safety William White (ankle). Getting Young The Chargers added Glen Young, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker, to the practice squad and released wide receiver Deron Pointer. Many were surprised Schottenheimer, 51, wasnt fined. The Chiefs coach still has trouble explaining his actions.

Something took place in front of our bench and somebody starting pushing and shoving, he said. I went out to break it up and I have no business frying to break it up. I dont belong in that arena, thats for sure. Schottenheimer said the 295-pound Brock, a 15-year veteran, deserved an apology. I dont remember that I specifically apologized to him, Schottenheimer said.

But I should have if I didnt" Hello, old friend Chargers defensive end Chris Mims and Chiefs cornerback Charles Mincy hook up again Sunday. Their friendship dates to high school, where they attended Dorsey in Los Angeles together. Good thing Dorsey didnt have a strong team. Otherwise, Mincy might not be an NFL cornerback. The way he got on the team (Dorsey) was that he came to the head coach and told him we were sorry, Mims said.

The coach said, Why dont you come out and play then? Charles came out and ended up being our starting cornerback. Then he went up to Washington and his Associated Press Photo Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries is the AFCs top-rated passer. Humphries has been sidelined with a sprained knee and sore hip after absorbing a hit by the Raiders Chester McGlockton. Stan threw the ball well, and it looked like the rest did him good, coach Bobby Ross said. Humphries was beaming after practice, too.

I didnt have any problems, said Humphries, the AFCs top-rated quarterback. I just went out as if nothing was wrong and it felt good, real good. I think everything is fine. Im ready to go. Im anxious to play after getting a week off and to get this thing back on a roll.

Backup center Curtis Whitley (knee) was the only Charger missing practice. Hes expected to work out Eagles circle Upshaw NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw spent several hours explaining the leagues salary cap to the Philadelphia Eagles. Many of the Eagles, six of whom were forced to take pay cuts a week before the start of the season because owner Jeff Lurie wanted more room under the $34.6 million salary cap, werent pleased with what they heard. We had questions they cant answer, offensive tackle Broderick Thompson said. It was a total waste of time.

The union, on behalf of the players whose salaries were cut, has filed a grievance against the team to force the Eagles to restore the cuts. Miller will start for Rams Los Angeles Rams quarterback Chris Miller, out for two games with a slight separation and pinched nerve in his right shoulder, will move back into the starting job Sunday at Green Bay. Backup Chris Chandler, who had started the last two games, sprained his left ankle in Sundays 8-5 loss to Atlanta and is listed as doubtful for the game. Tommy Maddox, who threw two interceptions after replacing Chandler against the Falcons, will be the backup. Fearsome proposition With a 1-3 record, the Raiders are in a situation where they cant afford too many more losses if they hope to make the playoffs.

And it only figures to get tougher because the next two games are on the road against the NFLs top two offensive teams. New England and Miami. Ill tell you what, weve put ourselves in a position thats pretty tough, linebacker Winston Moss said. Theres something thats been missing. Youve got to play with a certain fear.

I think youve got to approach it that way. Im not saying you play scared. Youve got to play this deal like its the last time youre going to take the field." Thanks mainly to second-year quarterback Drew Bledsoe, the Patriots (3-2) are averaging an NFL-best 419.8 yards a game. Even if, as Schottenheimer claims, it was in the role of a peace-maker. I got into a little situation that Im not very proud of at the end of the ballgame with Stan, Schottenheimer said.

I was totally out of line. Brock agreed, while choosing his words carefully. But theres no hiding his displeasure with seeing Schottenheimer on the field. I play as hard as I can play and thats all I can do, Brock said. If he doesnt like the way I play, then thats his opinion and thats OK with me.

today. Center Courtney Hall (biceps) returns to the starting lineup Sunday after missing one game. Round 2 Will Chargers tackle Stan Brock and Chiefs coach Marty Schotten-heimer square off for Round 2 Sunday? Last December, Schottenheimer got in a scuffle with Brock near the completion of the Chiefs 28-24 victory in Kansas City. Its rare when a coach crosses the sideline and makes physical contact with an opposing player. thrown an interception only about every 40 passes during a career that began in 1979.

Running back Marcus Allen is as sure-handed as they get On defense, Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas have a way of separating the ball from its carriers, and the Chiefs have long fielded a secondary with a knack for the interception. Turnovers have been costly to the Chargers against the Chiefs. Kansas City has won all eight regular-season meetings this decade, six of them by four points or fewer. A turnover here, a takeaway there, and the results might have been different It was a turnover that allowed the Chiefs to go only 20 yards for the go-ahead score in last years 28-24 victory over the Chargers in Week 14. Host Kansas City erased a 17-0 deficit with the help of three turnovers.

In Ross first game as the Chargers coach in 1992, the Chiefs won, 24-10, because of a gameturning interception. As the Chargers were moving in for a potential tying score, Kevin Ross picked off a pass and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. End of ball-game. Bobby Ross knows the story all too well. Another loss like that to Kansas City and hell be turning over in his bed all Sunday night long.

are we, Ross said. Thats why were both winning. The Chiefs have mastered not only protecting the ball, but also taking it away. They have intercepted six passes and recovered all eight fumbles they have caused this season. While preparing to play the Chiefs two weeks ago, Rams coach Chuck Knox certainly was impressed with what he saw on film.

No. 1, theyre teaching ball security on offense, and No. 2, they have a mental attitude on defense, said Knox, whose team beat the Chiefs 16-0 by not turning the ball over while collecting three takeaways. The other team may make some catches, but theyre going to knock the ball out of there. Knox is another coach who dwells on fumbles and interceptions.

His Seattle teams in the 1980s excelled in the turnover wars. In fact, it was an incident in a game at Seattle that largely is responsible for the way the Chiefs now conduct practice. It was 1989, Schottenheimers first ear with Kansas City, and run ning back Christian Okoye was stopped and held up by a group of Seahawks. Okoye relaxed. But no whistle had sounded and an alert defender pulled the ball from Okoyes hands and ran in for a touchdown.

Schottenheimer nearly hit the Kingdome roof. To this day, he employs two officials at his practices and enforces what he calls the Seattle Rule. When a play is completed, the ball carrier must hand the ball directly to the official. If he lies it on the ground or has it stripped away, a $5 fine is levied against him. Teammates often will tty to poke the ball loose before it can be handed to an official.

And theres always Schottenheimer himself who might sneak up behind a player and take a swat at it I dont know if you can teach it as much as you can emphasize it Saunders said of the turnover factor. We put a lot of time and focus on turnovers and its paid off. Of course, personnel helps. Quarterback Joe Montana has Chargers From Page C-1 heimer said. He wont get any cross examination from Chargers coach Bobby Ross, who points to turnovers almost immediately when analyzing any game.

His team also has done a marvelous job at protecting the ball through four games. While compiling the NFLs only unbeaten record, the Chargers have produced a plus-4 turnover margin, tied for sixth-best in the NFL The Chargers have made the most of their takeaways. Safety Stanley Richard returned interceptions for long touchdowns against Denver and Seattle, and Junior Seaus recovery of John Elways last-minute fumble near the goal line preserved San Diegos seasonopening victory in Denver. Needless to say, turnovers could be a determining factor in Sundays showdown at Jack Murphy Stadium. Theyre not likely to turn the ball over an jwful lot and neither 1 Nothing get ONE FREE! jl Jl U'm mi.