NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik issued a statement
regarding Dennis Rodman's comments on the Mormon community
in Utah. Granik: "We have the matter under review and, if
the statements are as reported, they are obviously offensive
and inexcusable. A full report will be made to Commissioner
Stern upon his return to New York [today], and an
announcement of any action can be expected by the end of the
day" (NBA). Rodman's comments, made Saturday, included his
saying "It's difficult to get in sync because of all the
(expletive) Mormons" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/12). Bulls GM
Jerry Krause: "We don't condone what was said. [Owner Jerry
Reinsdorf] and I are staunch about that" (BOSTON GLOBE,
6/12). In N.Y., Steve Popper reports sources who say that
Rodman "might be fined -- but he won't be suspended" (N.Y.
POST, 6/12). In FL, Chris Perkins reports "rumor has it"
Rodman will be fined "the maximum $25,000" (Ft. Lauderdale
SUN-SENTINEL, 6/12). Krause, when asked if Rodman might not
be available for Game Six Friday: "No. I'd be shocked if
that happens" (CHICAGO SUN TIMES, 6/12).
CHECKETTS ANGERED: MSG President Dave Checketts, who is
a Mormon, "said it would be a disgrace if Rodman's comments
were allowed to pass unpunished." Checketts: "He's an
embarrassment to the league. ... How can they let this guy
say these things? I don't know how they set their standards
in this league" (N.Y. POST, 6/12).
DELAYED REACTION? In Ft. Lauderdale, Chris Perkins
writes under the header, "What Is NBA Waiting For? Suspend
The Idiot." Perkins, on the league's reaction: "The
question is: What took so long?" (SUN-SENTINEL, 6/12). In
Orlando, Brian Schmitz, on the NBA waiting until today to
act on the comments: "The ostriches in the NBA's front
office kept their heads buried in the sand long enough,
ignoring the offensive output by Dennis Rodman.
Commissioner David Stern must have just woke up" (ORLANDO
SENTINEL, 6/12). In N.Y., Wallace Matthews asks, "Where
have you gone, David (Not So) Stern?" (N.Y. POST, 6/12).
ESPN's David Aldridge said the "league is in an interesting
position," and cited fines levied by the league on Nets
coach John Calipari and Heat broadcaster David Halberstam
for insensitive remarks. Aldridge: "Stern said during the
All-Star break that any future off-court incidents involving
Rodman ... could be dealt with severely" (ESPN, 6/11).
