When Edwards began his news conference today, he had a simple announcement for the opening game: "Injury-wise, Pennington is out and everyone else is in."

Mr. Clinton began his news conference, which was broadcast by only two of the four major television networks, with a 10-minute political speech promoting his economic programs.

It didn't matter that Mickelson was about to begin his own news conference.

"As far as injuries go," said Coach Herman Edwards, beginning his news conference Monday the way he always does.

Gary Bettman apologized before he began his news conference.

Today, Mr. Bush began his news conference by saying a drop in the unemployment rate for the month was a sign that "the economy is strenghtening."

At the time, it seemed almost sweet, a sort of spontaneous, unaffected way to begin his news conference.

Carter began his postgame news conference on the defensive, announcing that he would not talk about himself.

Underscoring the difficulty of the military's mission, General Troshev began his news conference today by saying he would not discuss Russian casualties.

President Clinton began his news conference yesterday with a healthy admission that he must accept at least part of the responsibility for last year's campaign-finance excesses.