Although conspiracy theories to the contrary linger, he also stressed that no advantage would be given to star players or teams from major media markets.

He blamed trustees who sanction illegal payments to star players, and presidents "who turn a blind eye to all of this."

While amateur club victories are about bragging rights, wealthy sponsors typically slip cash gifts to star players and find them easy part-time jobs.

Young players look up to star players and copy them - the stance, the swing, the way they adjust their caps.

The enforcers' reluctance to fight, supporters of the rule change argued, has led to star players being hacked at with impunity.

VanGorp and Erickson, now star players at Duke, stand in the way.

Other teams have fought through serious injuries to star players, however.

The Hutt Valley side's success was the result of good team organisation and determination rather than star players.

But other teams have been able to deal with significant injuries to star players.

By denigrate, Glass refers to star players who force shots against triple-teams and coaches who are too cowed to coach them.