NBA Commissioner David Stern fined Nets VP/Head Coach
John Calipari $25,000 and Heat radio broadcaster David
Halberstam $2,500 for recent remarks they made. Calipari
called Newark Star-Ledger reporter Dan Garcia "a (bleeping)
Mexican idiot," and Halberstam said slaves would make "good"
basketball players during a recent game. Stern, in a
statement, called the action "uncharted territory for an NBA
Commissioner; there is no sourcebook that sets forth the
scope of my responsibility in this area. ... I nonetheless
believe that a clear message must be sent that such
statements and the sentiments they convey -- whether
intended or not -- are unacceptable from individuals
associated with the NBA" (NBA).
CALIPARI REAX: The N.Y. DAILY NEWS' Michael James
notes, "according to available league records, it was not
only the largest fine ever levied an NBA coach, but it also
marked the first time a coach has been fined for comments
not relating to the game." James adds that Calipari was not
fined by the Nets for his remarks. Calipari was unavailable
for comment, but his agent, Craig Fenech said, "I think I
should talk to my client first, but I can tell you I don't
agree with it as an attorney" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/27).
Nets President Michael Rowe: "We support the decision of the
commissioner" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/27).
HALBERSTAM REAX: Heat President Pat Riley, on
Halberstam's fine: "We've been in contact with [the NBA]
from the beginning and I agree with their position."
Halberstam, who apologized to the team yesterday, said he
would pay the fine out of his own pocket: "Hopefully this
puts it to rest. I'm in the league, I'm happy to be here,
and I will comply by their rules." Heat VP/Media
Development Steve Watson said Halberstam will return next
season for the final year of his contract, but Heat
President/Business Ops Jay Cross "would not comment" on
whether Halberstam or any of the team's other announcers
will return after their contracts expire (MIAMI HERALD,
3/27). Halberstam's comments were also examined on "Extra."
WFAN's Mike Francesa, on Halberstam's remarks: "You have to
be very careful about what you say" ("Extra," 3/26).
THE LAST WORD: Columnist Mike Lupica: "David Stern came
down on the side of good taste yesterday, and once again
showed he is the commissioner of everybody in the NBA. ...
It is an interesting precedent Stern has set now, and he
knows it ... Now he must decide if he should step in with a
fine if Charles Barkley says he hates all white people. Or
if he can let someone like Isiah Thomas get away with saying
that if Larry Bird weren't white he'd just be regarded as
another good player. You bet this is uncharted territory.
Stern walked right in like a champ" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/27).
