>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11/22/2004 1:56:42 PM >>> Also, the article discusses the racial makeup of fans and players. I remember reading an economics article explaining how teams like Salt Lake City, located in predominantly white areas, pay more for white bench sitters to not alienate fans by making basketball a black sport. Detroit was used, if I remember correctly, as a benchmark for having a greater black fan base. Michael Perelman <<<<<<>>>>>>
first black nba player was in 1950, pro football in 46, major league baseball in 47...some dispute over origins of nba, official record indicates 46 but it wasn't until 49 when 6 teams from what was left of another league that nba really emerged... league's precarious financial situation ostensibly led owners to be wary of racial integration because they feared white fans might stop attending... also, highest attended nba games (biggest revenue generators) at that time were preceded by harlem globetrotter exhibitions, thus, nba owners did not want to alienate globetrotter owner abe saperstein (who thoroughly exploited his african american players)... michael hoover -------------------------------------------------------------- Please Note: Due to Florida's very broad public records law, most written communications to or from College employees regarding College business are public records, available to the public and media upon request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.
