Nets G Jerry Stackhouse has become the latest player calling for changes to the NBPA, saying that not only does Exec Dir Billy Hunter "have to go, but the way the union does business needs to be changed," according to Tim Bontemps of the N.Y. POST. Stackhouse said, "Obviously Hunter should be out. In my opinion, the executive committee should be out, and really take the time to do a real search for what direction our union (should take), and what formation that we should have, because obviously it's flawed." Hunter last Friday was put on an indefinite leave of absence. Stackhouse believes that after "years of mismanagement ... it's time for the union to make sweeping changes." Stackhouse said that includes the "removal" of NBPA President Derek Fisher as well. Stackhouse added that he is "going to Houston for next week's All-Star weekend for no other reason than to speak his mind at the union's meeting to make sure everyone knows how he feels" (N.Y. POST, 2/8). Stackhouse said, "Everybody's pointing the finger at Billy, and rightfully so. He's made some wrong moves, but at the same time, we've sat and allowed those moves to be made. ... Derek has stepped up and has really tried to grab the reins but I think he has to go too. If you're not aware of everything that's happened on your watch for so long, I think the whole system is flawed." Hunter earlier this week defended his record in an interview with the N.Y. Times, and Stackhouse said, "He's talked so much about what he's done. We have shorter salaries, a hard cap. Make sure you take credit for that, too" (DETROIT NEWS, 2/8).
MISSING THE BIGGER ISSUES? YAHOO SPORTS' Kelly Dwyer noted Lakers G Kobe Bryant also spoke out against Hunter earlier in the week, but neither he nor Stackhouse "mentioned the most serious charges behind Hunter's recent tenure," as the allegations of "questionable business practices, misuse of funds and nepotism are significant." Dwyer: "We don't doubt that they consider the allegations to be severe ... but neither player deigned to mention them. ... Neither questioned, on record at least, where all the cash went" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 2/7).
