Players Ratify Labor Deal

NBA players approved their new labor agreement Tuesday, and Chicago Bull center Antonio Davis was elected president of the players’ association at the union’s annual convention in Las Vegas.

About 60 players were in attendance, and the vote to ratify the tentative labor agreement was “overwhelmingly in favor,� union spokesman Dan Wasserman said.

The union reached agreement with the league on a six-year deal last Tuesday. It replaces a seven-year pact that expires Thursday.

Once the new agreement is finalized and put into writing, all players will have the opportunity to vote by mail, Wasserman said.

Davis was elected to replace Michael Curry, who is retiring after an 11-year NBA career.

Former Laker Derek Fisher of the Golden State Warriors was elected to Davis’ former post of first vice president, and P.J. Brown was chosen to take Fisher’s spot on the union’s executive council.

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Detroit Piston Coach Larry Brown is scheduled to enter the Mayo Clinic today to undergo tests for a bladder problem that should help determine his basketball future.

Joe Dumars, the Pistons’ president of basketball operations, said he expected to hear from Brown on Friday.

“It’s kind of in his hands,� Dumars told the Detroit Free Press. “He understands that it is his timetable, but he also understands that he wants to let me know something as soon as possible.�

Brown has three years left on a five-year contract.

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Minnesota Timberwolf guard Fred Hoiberg underwent heart surgery to correct an enlarged aortic root.

The surgery was performed at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Hartzell Schaff, who corrected a bulge in the root where the artery meets the heart’s aortic valve, according to a release from the team.

It was uncertain when, or if, he will be able to play again.

Hoiberg, 32, averaged 5.8 points and led the NBA in three-point accuracy last season, shooting a career-high 48.3%.

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The Clippers announced an eight-game exhibition schedule, including three games at Staples Center.

The schedule: Oct. 12 vs. Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center; Oct. 14 vs. Sacramento Kings at Staples Center; Oct. 15 at Phoenix; Oct. 18 at Portland; Oct. 19 at Seattle; Oct. 23 at Dallas; Oct. 24 vs. Golden State Warriors at Missoula, Mont.; Oct. 27 vs. Seattle SuperSonics at Staples Center.