Dissidents Go Along

The vote by NBA players to preserve their union became official when the dissident players declined to challenge the results of last week’s election.

The dissenting faction, which included Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing, will now work within the system to change their union.

“The players who filed the petition carefully considered, and concluded the best thing for the players was … to concentrate their efforts on bringing players together and reforming the players’ association,” said Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the dissident players. “The players don’t feel they can be effective if they’re divided.”

After the decertification bid failed, player representatives voted 25-2 Sept. 13 to approve a new collective bargaining agreement, which was agreed to Aug.8.

The owners approved the six-year agreement 24-5 last Friday, and the league’s 2-1/2-month lockout ended Monday. Training camps will open as scheduled Oct. 6 and the season will begin on time on Nov. 3.