Q&a With G.w. Mix:

Q: How much do these pro lacrosse players make?

A: The highest paid player makes $18,000 for the summer, a 12-game season. The lowest paid player gets $6,700 for the summer. It's somewhat like the old NFL. We've got guys who work on Wall Street and get to practice. We've got school teachers. One of our star players is in the Navy. He's a pilot who's been deployed for Iraq. His name is Graham Gill. He's from New Jersey. He will not be with us for the season. He was a first-team All-MLL player last year. Terrifiic player. It's just amazing the guys we have in this league. The unique thing about the league is that these guys play on the weekends because they love the sport. They play every weekend. After the game they stick around and talk with the fans or just hang out. It's a very unique atmosphere, as far as pro sports go.

Q: Who is the favorite to win the MLL championship?

A: Philadelphia has won a few in a row. But I don't know if there is any clear-cut favorite. We would certainly like to have Graham back. But we're not going to have him. We've had some guys step up and they keep stepping up. Last year, the championship was a three-goal game. I think this game will be every bit as exciting.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at steve.virgen@latimes.com.