Union decertification moves NFL closer to work stoppage

NFL: NFL labor talks broke down just hours before the latest contract extension expired Friday, putting America’s most popular sport on a path to its first work stoppage since 1987 ( see story Page C7).

The NFL players’ union decertified – effectively ceasing to operate as a certified union – and players including Tom Brady and Peyton Manning sued the league.

Despite 16 days of negotiations with a federal mediator – and previous months of stop-and-start bargaining – the sides could not agree on a new deal. The league said it hadn’t decided whether to lock out the players, who went to court to request an injunction to block such a move.

Associated Press

NCAA women’s tickets go fast

Women’s basketball: A limited number of tickets remain for the first two rounds of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament next weekend at McCarthey Athletic Center.

 Two first-round games, including one involving Gonzaga, are set for next Saturday. The first game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the second will start 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first. The winners meet at 6:30 p.m. March 21 in a second-round game.

 Teams and pairings will be announced at 4 p.m. Monday.

 Tickets can be purchased at the Gonzaga ticket office. 

Dave Trimmer

Ex-Chief Ryan earns award

Hockey: Former Spokane Chiefs player Derek Ryan, a Shadle Park graduate now a senior at the University of Alberta, was named Canada West University Hockey MVP.

Ryan, who played three years with the Chiefs, had 17 goals, 30 assists and 47 points in 28 conference games, the most for a Canada West player in five years.

Teammate Chad Klassen, also a former Chief, was voted a Canada West first-team all-star for the third straight year.

The Golden Bears, with a third former Chief, J.P. Szaszkiewicz, face the Calgary Dinos in the Canada West championship. Former Chiefs Brett Bartman and Jevon Desautels play for Calgary.

Dave Trimmer