The  ABA  Players  Association  was  formed  for  the  purpose  of
helping  to  achieve,  for  all  basketball  players,  better  working  condi-
tions and  opportunities.  We  feel  these  conditions  and  opportunities
will  be  more  enhanced  with  the  passage  of  this  legislation.
I  feel  compelled  to  point  out  that  many  ABA  players  are  not
totally  satisfied  that  the  negotiations  with  the  NBA  Players  Associa-
tion have  been  brought  to  their  best  or  final  conclusion.  For  instance,
the  executive  committee  of  the  ABA  Players  Association  does  not
endorse  the  team  compensation  for  the  loss  of  a  free  agent.  The
ABA  has  no  such  provision  now  and  we  hope  collective  bargaining
after  the  merger  will  result  in  further  consideration  being  given  to
the  necessity  for  the  provision.
Senator  ER^^:x.  You  state  in  effect — excuse  me,  I  thought  you  had
finished.
Mr.  JoxES.  Hov\^ever,  having  pointed  that  out,  we  are  convinced
that  nothing  should  be  allowed  to  deter  the  speedy  passage  of  this
legislation.  We  feel  its  success  vital  to  our  members'  well-being.
