Lockout costs NBA players big paychecks

Tuesday was supposed to be payday for the NBA's players. But with the league in the 140th day of its lockout, no checks were in the mail. And with the NBA players association in the process of decertifying, it's anyone's guess as to when a paycheck will be issued because who knows when the two sides will resume negotiations?

How much did it cost the players? Take Kobe Bryant. The Lakers' superstar guard missed out on a check worth $1,051,832. LeBron James failed to receive $667,603, while Dwight Howard's missed check amounted to $745,224. The average check amount lost Tuesday by the players was $425,000.

It's likely you won't see any superstars applying for jobs at Home Depot, though.

As for the less affluent NBA players, they hopefully put money aside to tide them over. Otherwise, you could have former UNLV standout Marcus Banks helping you pick out the right shade of blue paint for your child's bedroom when you visit Lowe's.

■ BIGGEST LOSERS -- While the players are taking a financial hit during the NBA lockout, it's nothing compared to the financial hardship many of the cities are feeling without professional basketball.

According to CBS, the Miami area stands to lose approximately $200 million if there's no NBA season. That includes bars, restaurants, hotels, parking garages and other businesses that normally would benefit from Heat home games.

In San Antonio, the economic impact is estimated to be $90 million. In Oklahoma City, $60 million. In Portland, Ore., $59 million. With all the potential lost revenue, is it any wonder some cities are threatening to sue the NBA and the players?

But in a little bit of chutzpah, the Phoenix Suns sent out an email this week offering fans 30 percent off the regular price if they purchase season tickets.

■ FRANCO FIRED -- Penn State legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris might have talked himself out of a job with his support of his former coach, Joe Paterno.

Harris, who was a spokesman for The Meadows Casino and Racetrack outside Pittsburgh, was let go after he publicly criticized his alma mater's decision to ax Paterno.

Harris did commercials for the casino and appeared at charitable events.

■ BIRD IS BACK -- In an attempt to turn around their luck, not to mention giving a boost to their sagging merchandise sales, the Baltimore Orioles brought back the cartoon bird logo on their hats for 2012.

The new logo is a throwback to the look that existed from 1966 to 1988, after the team decided to switch from the anatomically correct oriole that it had used from 1954 when it moved to Baltimore from St. Louis.

For the past 23 years, the team had used a version of the original logo.

Forget the logo makeover. What the Orioles need is for someone like Jim Palmer or Brooks Robinson to wear those new caps on the field.

COMPILED BY STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL