Stern: 'Greedy' agents hurting chances of NBA deal

By Brian Mahoney

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Nov. 12 2011 8:40 p.m. MST

National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern speaks during a news conference alongside fellow union members after a marathon meeting with the Players Association, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, in New York. The league presented the players' association with a new offer Thursday after nearly 11 hours of bargaining, hoping it would be enough to end the lockout. However, union president Derek Fisher said it doesn't address all the necessary system issues that are important to the players.

John Minchillo, Associated Press

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Summary

Commissioner David Stern blames "greedy" NBA agents for trying to scuttle a new labor deal and believes they are trying to push their clients into a "losing strategy" of decertification.

NEW YORK — Commissioner David Stern blames "greedy" NBA agents for trying to scuttle a new labor deal and believes they are trying to push their clients into a "losing strategy" of decertification.

And Stern says neither the threat of that process nor any request from the union will change the league's negotiating position, repeating that there would be no further discussions about the revised proposal it offered Thursday. If players don't accept it, Stern reiterates that he will move to the harsher proposal that is waiting.

Stern is aware of the numerous comments from players criticizing the proposal, and fears they aren't getting the proper information about its contents because agents worry it will cost themselves money.

Players will meet Monday and decide if they should vote on the proposal.

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