Bucks' player rep not optimistic about a labor deal being done

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MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Bucks’ player union representative says he cannot help but be pessimistic about the chance of a new labor agreement with NBA owners.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute took part in a meeting yesterday with the union’s executive committee – and they said the owners’ current proposal was unacceptable. Before the lockout began in July, players were getting 57-percent of basketball-related revenues. The league wants to cut that share to between 49-and-51-percent, depending on market conditions. And if the players don’t accept that by the end of today, NBA Commissioner David Stern said he would propose a further reduction to the players of around 47-percent of basketball revenues. ESPN.com reported Bucks’ owner Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Milwaukee) was among 11 “disgruntled” owners who urged Stern to push for the smaller union share now. Media reports said Kohl has also lobbied to expand the league’s revenue sharing program, and give more money to small market teams like Milwaukee. Kohl faces a big fine from Stern if he comments.

But Mbah a Moute can say all he wants – and he says the players have given up plenty already, to the tune of over two-billion dollars if the new agreement runs for 10 years. Players’ union chief Billy Hunter says big changes need to be made to the league’s offer and quote, “It goes beyond tweaks.” Mbah a Moute said there are other sticking points, like the salary cap and player movement. He said players need to quote, “have control over our careers.” NBA games have been canceled through November, and talk continues that the entire season might be lost.

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