NBA players blame the boss and call to the barricades

After going to ruin the hopes of meeting last week , and if you stick to the letter sent to NBA players Billy Hunter (executive direct the Players Association), the position of the players has been radicalized to stand up to the owners seamlessly between its members.

"As no doubt you've heard, negotiations with the owners to end their four-month lockout went to the October 28th fret. After three days of productive talks with the help of mediation and conciliation service federal, owners remained adamant in its distribution to 50% of BRI. That was the moment in which the Negotiating Committee and myself decided that it made more sense for the union to negotiate further, and we all went in the room . Derek sent a letter explaining his opinion, and I want to reinforce your message of solidarity and reflect where we go now from here, "-so begins his letter to the NBA players Billy Hunter.

"We have more than the owners to try to reach an agreement, but we are determined to uphold the basic principles for which we fought: guaranteed contracts, minimum healthy, fair maximum, a strong middle class and a true free agent market" informs the manager of the players union.

Hunter considers "unacceptable" the distribution of 50% of BRI, much more so considering that in recent years, the players were receiving 57%, and makes it clear to their constituents who do not have the slightest intention of lowering the 52, 5%. "David Stern insists that the NBA will not move from the distribution of 50/50. With this division are guaranteed profits for owners, regardless of the quality of its management, and prevents players to participate proportionately in the economic growth in the competition, "accuses the executive director of the Players Association to their constituents.

"It's important to know that our negotiating committee has made every effort to resolve the conflict and we have presented alternatives and ideas to reach an agreement. But the NBA seems determined to test the resolve of the players through intimidation and harsh tactics of negotiation. We have put on the table an ultimatum to "take it or leave it", threatening to end the season in an attempt to divide us, to deceive the press and conditions for future negotiations and concessions. This is an unacceptable form of negotiation, especially when the fate of owners and players goes along, "says Hunter.

Hunter David Stern blamed of using the media to erode the image of the players and put public opinion against him. "Do not listen, they are normal tactics in these negotiations. Do not be intimidated by public tricks, ultimatums and manipulated dates to conflict," Hunter tells the players.

"Your role is important and the owners have to know that we will be strong until we reach a fair agreement, and not one conditioned and forced. We have been preparing for this moment for two years and now we are here" , is the final message Hunter appealed for unity among his people.

Hunter took the last paragraph of his letter to take up the cudgels on behalf of Derek Fisher, to which the 'hard line' of the players accused of giving before the pressures of David Stern and reach an agreement with the NBA behind everyone's back .

As EFE published by the suspension of the season the owners have managed to plant the seeds of doubt among the players, among which there is some nervousness, reflected in attacks on Fisher for an alleged secret deal with Stern. Now I should have started the regular season, and that the checks do not arrive to your accounts, we must be attentive to the reactions and statements about players without their main source of income. Will they stand so close when directly affect their pockets? That's the million dollar question.

The players will meet Thursday to discuss his position to follow in the coming weeks.