A confidant of three commissioners, he played a major role in negotiations with the players’ union and in league expansion in 1976 to Seattle and Tampa. Dan Rooney had become concerned about the way the Republican party was heading, Jim Rooney told Collier. Late in the second quarter Wade intercepted an errant pass by Thomas, but got hung on the front of the rim as he attempted a dunk on the fast break. lView more sharing optionsShare on LinkedInShare on PinterestShare on Google+Share on WhatsAppShare on MessengerCloseSimon AustinFriday 14 April 2017 10.