FEVER SAFE FOR NOW -- The financially strapped Indiana Fever got a reprieve earlier this week when Kroger, a Cincinnati-based grocery chain, stepped in with a five-year sponsorship deal. The deal includes sponsorship of the NBA Pacers as well.

As pointed out earlier, the Fever and its parent company, Pacers Sports and Entertainment, are in financial dire straits with the Simon Brothers expecting to be bailed out by the taxpayers. PSE made its point prior to the start of the WNBA season by sacking 26 PSE employees, including Fever radio color commentator Jane Schott. Other cost-cutting measures include the elimination of pre-game meals for staff, officials, ushers and the media. I guess my pal Walt has to go elsewhere to offer his dining critiques, but I digress.

In anticipation of caving to the Simons' demands for free money, Indianapolis officials have begun jacking up prices on things such as parking, which has doubled for the garage closest to Conseco. An alcohol tax is also being considered. This may bring some extra cash in the short term, but it will do more to drive away potential fans and other visitors to the downtown area, something I doubt the powers that be even considered.

The thing which is most annoying about this deal is the fact the Simons are still doing very well financially and refuse to spend any of THEIR money on THEIR team.

HUH? – Can anyone tell me why Candace Parker, who has yet to play a minute in any WNBA game this season, is on the All Star ballot?

COVERING ALL THE BASES -- It was on a July 4th 70 years ago that Lou Gehrig made his farewell speech, the “Luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” The ALS Organization is joining with both Major and Minor League Baseball to celebrate this event and to use the anniversary to raise awareness of ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is also holding a fundraiser in conjunction with MLB during which fans can pledge donations based on the number of hits their favorite team makes on July 4th. Teams will also wear special patches on their uniforms and the “Luckiest Man” speech will be read. Fans who cannot participate on July 4th will have the opportunity to do so throughout the month of July.

For more information: http://www.alsa.org/coveringallthebases/