CALIPARI UNDER FIRE: MA COMMISSION, NBA, BOTH INVESTIGATING

          The MA State Ethics Commission is investigating Nets
     coach John Calipari for "his conduct" during his tenure as
     coach of the UMass basketball team, according to Don Burke
     of the Newark STAR-LEDGER.  The commission "intends to
     investigate" whether Calipari "misused his position ... to
     gain profits and publicity from the 'Refuse to Lose' slogan
     that he had trademarked."  Burke wrote that the alleged
     violations include "participating in the decision to place
     the slogan ... on garments worn" by the UMass team; using
     the team "as a means of gaining publicity for the slogan";
     and "having a financial interest" in UMass contracts
     involving trademarks.   If the inquiry finds that Calipari
     broke the law, he could be fined.  Nets President Michael
     Rowe had "no comment."  Calipari, through a spokesperson,
     called the story "old news" (STAR-LEDGER, 3/1).
          CAN HE TAKE THE HEAT? During Friday's home loss to the
     Heat, Calipari shouted "a profanity at a fan, which could
     result in a league reprimand or suspension," according to
     Michael James of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS.  During the game,
     Calipari turned to a heckler and shouted "You shut your
     mouth.  Shut the (expletive) up."  James wrote that the
     comment "shocked many fans" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/1). 
     Calipari: "In the emotion of the moment, I said something I
     shouldn't have said."  NBA VP/Ops Rod Thorn said the league
     would "look into" the incident (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/2).