But the major league source said that nothing in the suspension would have precluded the 33-year-old son from taking charge of the Yankees' operation.

"He's leaving us in a good situation," a league source said yesterday about the departure of the 40-year-old Bernstein.

Because the game had not started, the officials did not have authority to levy penalties, according to a league source.

A league source said Connelly remained in the picture.

But the Knicks, according to a league source, will not make the deal if they have to give up this year's first-round pick.

"Nobody thinks it will be good for Syria," a league source told the Independent.

A league source said the Heat and the league were still trying to resolve the dispute.

Expansion costs could reach $100 million per team, according to league sources.

According to one league source, "He was the human pin cushion.

A league source says letters such as these between club personnel circulate regularly on a variety of issues.