"To indict someone, you need evidence beyond a reasonable doubt," said Mr. Castro, who is campaigning largely through mailings, appearances at train stations and supermarkets, and news media interviews.
Until the World Trade Center attack brought the race to a near-standstill, he used a dizzying series of appearances at train stations, supermarkets and festivals to stress his experience as an executive who had guided his city out of its own fiscal morass.
He has been limited to a token appearance at a training session July 16 and 16 minutes of playing time in a 1-0 exhibition loss against Chelsea on July 21.
Where Abramovich's appearance at the training ground once spread panic, his is a regular dialogue with Mourinho these days and there is no suggestion of another imminent parting of the ways.
However, it is understood to be related to an ongoing dispute with several athletes over their non-appearance at a training camp.
The theories are as voluminous as they are unproven: not enough plate appearances at spring training; too much cold weather at the start of the season; early frustration at trying to hit through the infield shift that opposing teams regularly apply, placing the shortstop behind second base and the second baseman in short right field.
In recent weeks, his appearances at the training ground, often before seven in the morning, had grown less frequent.
TV appearances take training.
Photo: Receiver Terrell Owens, right, made a flashy appearance at the Eagles' training camp despite his demands for a new contract.
Dolan skipped the Knicks' first home preseason game (a charity event staged by an Israeli team) and for the first time in recent memory, did not make an appearance at the team's training camp in Charleston, S.C. Dolan has not spoken with the news media since last season, and team officials have indicated there are no plans for him to do so anytime soon.
