NBA players reject league ultimatum
NEW YORK, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Locked-out NBA players won't accept Commissioner David Stern's "take-it-or-leave-it" offer to resolve the work stoppage, union officials said Tuesday.
Stern issued what amounted to an ultimatum Sunday, saying if the National Basketball Players Association didn't accept the league's current proposal for a settlement by Wednesday, it would be pulled and a much harsher proposal substituted.
NBPA President Derek Fisher and Executive Director Billy Hunter told reporters they wouldn't accept the deal, which calls for a 50-50 split of league revenue and a "flexible" salary cap.
"The players are clearly of the mind that it's an unacceptable proposal," Hunter said after concluding a meeting of players representatives in New York.
Hunter added his reports indicate the league plans to cancel all games through Christmas if an agreement isn't reached by Wednesday.
The NBA has already canceled November's scheduled games as the lockout reached in its 130th day.
Fisher said there was little talk of decertifying the union during the meeting -- a step that must be taken as a prelude to an antitrust court action.
Patriots release lineman Haynesworth
FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The New England Patriots said Tuesday they have released two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth after an unproductive stint with the team.
Haynesworth, who was obtained from the Washington Redskins after the end of the NFL lockout, totaled just three tackles in six games with the Patriots.
The controversial lineman was dealt to New England after a stormy, 20-game tenure with the Redskins, with whom he signed a seven-year, $100 million deal in 2009.
Haynesworth, 30, was seen arguing with Patriots defensive line coach Pepper Johnson during Sunday's loss to the New York Giants after being blocked on Brandon Jacobs' touchdown run.
The 10-year pro has compiled 30 1/2 career sacks and 327 tackles over 116 career games. His best year came in 2008, his final season with the Tennessee Titans, when he recorded 8 1/2 sacks and 51 tackles.
Francona meets with Cardinals owner
CINCINNATI, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Former Boston Red Sox Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday he met with St. Louis Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., as the team seeks a new manager.
Francona confirmed to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he talked with DeWitt in the owner's hometown of Cincinnati.
"We just had a dialogue," Francona told the newspaper. "I enjoy talking about baseball -- a lot. Without going into details, we discussed pretty basic philosophy. I'd call it an enjoyable, casual conversation."
Multiple sources reported Francona was being interviewed for the Cards' managerial job during the meeting, which came open after Tony La Russa retired following the team's World Series victory over Texas last month.
Francona, who was released by the Red Sox at the end of the season, is also rumored to be under consideration for the Chicago Cubs' managerial opening. The Cubs recently hired former Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein as the team's chief of baseball operations.
The Cardinals have so far interviewed roving coach Mike Matheny and minor league managers Chris Maloney and Joe McEwing for the job, the Post-Dispatch said.
Duquette tapped as Orioles baseball exec
BALTIMORE, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Former Boston Red Sox General Manager Dan Duquette was hired Tuesday as executive vice president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles.
Duquette was the Red Sox GM from 1994 to 2002 and served in the same position for the Montreal Expos from 1991 until his move to Boston.
Since 2002 he has been running a sports academy in Massachusetts.
Duquette replaces Andy MacPhail, who opted last month not to return to the job after more than four years in the position.
"I am pleased to welcome Dan Duquette to the Orioles organization," Orioles majority owner Peter Angelos said. "With an emphasis on developing players from within as well as acquiring players through the international and trade markets, Dan built the Red Sox and Expos into formidable franchises during his tenures."
He takes over an Orioles team that has logged 14 consecutive losing seasons.
