With CBA Owner Isiah Thomas reportedly still in talks
with the Pacers about the team's vacant coaching post, the
"issue of whether Thomas can unload the CBA before the
Pacers run out of patience remains," according to Mark
Montieth of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. The "attempted
transaction" of the CBA to the NBPA "has been cloaked in
silence" with "no report of progress" since Thomas signed a
letter of intent on June 28 to sell the league to the union.
Meanwhile, Jewell Harris, Managing Partner of the CBA
expansion Gary Steelheads, said that Thomas told him that
"he would seek a waiver that would allow Thomas to continue
to own the CBA if he becomes the Pacers' coach." NBA and
CBA reps said that they were "unaware of any such waiver
request" (INDY STAR, 7/12). In IN, Steve Patterson cited
Steelheads investors as saying that while NBA Commissioner
David Stern "has already said" Thomas' proposed dual
interest would be in conflict, Thomas did ask for a waiver.
Harris: "The worst thing that could happen at this point --
and we don't consider it bad -- would be if [Thomas] doesn't
accept the Pacers' offer and he remains involved in the CBA.
But he believes if he gets this waiver, he won't have to
divest himself" (Gary (IN) POST-TRIBUNE, 7/11).