Phil Jackson Questions Harrah's Signage At New Orleans Arena

Jackson Says Harrah's Signage In New Orleans Sends Mixed Message

Lakers coach Phil Jackson before last night's Lakers-Hornets game "raised the issue about the Hornets' use of Harrah's New Orleans Casino's advertising in the visiting locker room at the New Orleans Arena," saying that it "sends a mixed message" following the sports betting case of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, according to John Reid of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Jackson: "We talked about this last year. We thought it wasn't a good message at all. One side of it says don't gamble, and the other side you are advertising for it. This is a franchise that is led by a good Christian leader. He has prayer (sessions) before the games. I'm sure he knows what he's doing." Hornets officials said that Harrah's New Orleans, which "does not have sports betting like casinos in Las Vegas," has been a "major sponsor even before Hurricane Katrina with the franchise and they have signage throughout the Arena." Hornets President Hugh Weber said the casino is an "important part to keeping this team financially viable in a market this size." Reid notes Jackson is the "first coach to bring up the issue about the Harrah's signage in the locker room" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 11/13).