Harlem Globetrotters negotiating Cuba visit
.c The Associated Press, April 16
HAVANA (AP) -- One of sports' great shows, the Harlem Globetrotters, might be returning to Cuba.
The Globetrotters began talks Thursday aimed at returning the touring basketball performers to Cuba for the first time in nearly 50 years.
``We are really hoping to play here.'' said team owner Mannie Jackson, citing the Baltimore Orioles' visit to Havana last month as paving the way. ``We have always been ambassadors of goodwill, so
this would be great.
``When we started this three years ago it was pretty tough, but after the baseball exchange it has gotten a lot easier.''
Jackson had meetings scheduled with Cuban sports officials before returning to the United States on Saturday, but said one more trip could be necessary before agreement is reached.
But he said Cuban sports officials seemed very warm about his proposal to have the team visit later this year, play the national team in Havana and play exhibition games in three or four other
cities outside the capital.
The plan is to have the Globetrotters stay for a full week and also hold basketball clinics for Cuban youth.
Jackson said he hopes a Cuban national team will be able to play the Globetrotters at Madison Square Garden in New York.
``If we keep it out of the political forum and keep it in the human forum I think that we'll be OK.,'' said Jackson.
Among issues still to be worked out is how to handle any proceeds from the games, such as television rights.
The Globetrotters recently completed another U.S. tour and later this spring will embark on a swing overseas.
The team has played in 115 countries since being formed by Abe Saperstein in the 1940s. Jackson has owned the team since 1993.
AP-NY-04-16-99 0127EDT
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