The league still officially recognizes both titleists as champions.

In the official averages for the 1996 season, the leagues don't recognize what players did in the other league.

"I am glad the league recognizes it's a problem, and at least is trying to fix it," Perry said.

The league has recognized that people putting more money in are more like me than they are like the old-time owners.

"The league recognizes that some are going to have to be cut off," said one official who asked not to be identified.

The league, however, recognized that it required a presence in New York City, the country's largest market, in order to survive.

Five other teams, including the Dolphins of 1972-73, have won 18 in a row, but the league recognizes only regular-season victories in its record book.

The statement concluded: "The league, the players, and the players union all recognize the value of a drug-free workplace.

The league, however, did not recognize the players' approval.

Mr. Stern said the league recognized that "We have to get people exposed to this next generation of stars."