Fifty Players May Look to Dissolve Union
About 50 players, including some All-Stars, are willing to dissolve their union if negotiations falter again this weekend, or if the talks produce a deal that they deem unpalatable, according to a person who has spoken with the players.
The movement was said to be entirely player-driven, and born of a frustration with the pace of talks between N.B.A. and union leaders. The players have been locked out since July 1, and a month of games has been canceled. Negotiations have broken off four times in the last five weeks.
Decertifying would require that 30 percent of the union — about 130 players — sign a petition, which would then put the matter before the full membership. It would require a majority vote to pass. Decertification would then open the possibility for the players to sue the league under antitrust law and attempt to force an end to the lockout.
The disenchanted players held two conference calls this week with an antitrust lawyer, on Tuesday and Thursday. It is not clear whether the union was notified of the effort. Union officials could not immediately be reached.
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