Some NBA Agents Are Making a Big Push for Decertification

Rather than returning to the bargaining table, the NBA players’ union spent Tuesday pondering its latest loss and debating its next move--perhaps decertification.

“It’s very seriously being explored. Some people feel it’s the answer because it’s our best piece of leverage remaining,” said one agent close to the union.

One day after the union lost its guaranteed contracts in a ruling by arbitrator John Feerick, the union pondered a course of action but remained upbeat.

Some thought the wisest move would be to maintain a unified front and resist accepting an unfavorable labor agreement--even if the lockout lasts into January.

Others, including a vocal minority of the agents’ council, were pushing for decertification, a move that could lead to a multiyear fight with the owners.

By decertifying, the union would remove itself as the official bargaining agent for the players. A court injunction would then be sought to end the lockout.

If an injunction were granted, the owners would lift the lockout, open camps and impose new work rules. And if the new rules were more restrictive than the old ones, the players would be expected to file an antitrust suit against the league seeking treble damages.

Today, the agents’ advisory council meets in Las Vegas. The next day, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone are among those expected to attend a union meeting open to all players.

Players earlier this summer gave the union’s executive council the go-ahead to decertify, so a vote among the rank-and-file would not be necessary.

NFL players chose to decertify after their strike failed in 1987. Their court fight with NFL owners dragged on five years before a settlement was reached.

Commissioner David Stern and the owners are well aware the union has been considering decertification, and some agents believe the league fears being taken to court on antitrust charges.