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Locals React To Possible NBA Lockout Settlement

AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) - An end to the NBA lockout is in sight as the league reaches a tentative deal with the players union.

But is two months into what would be have been the regularly scheduled season too late?

A local marketing professor says yes, and that the league may have tarnished its reputation among fans.

Mike Bernacchi, of U of D Mercy, says game attendance could be lower if the season does go on.

"I think the fans really want to send the NBA a message - and the message is, 'You can't treat those that give you your life's blood, like this,' you have to treat them with more respect," said Bernacchi.

"They certainly brought some jeopardy to their brand, they are by far the highest paid of all the athletes, if you compare the four major team sports - everybody knows it, the owners of course, for quite some time, have been very contentious toward the players," said Bernacchi.

Under the tentative deal, the season will start on Christmas Day.

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