The NBPA has "rallied to the defense" of Dennis Rodman,
according to Lacy Banks in the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Rodman
was suspended by the Bulls Tuesday, as the team was
"possibly expecting the league to hand down a more severe
fine and penalty," for his obscene language on a
SportsChannel post-game report after getting ejected from
the Bulls-Raptors game Sunday in Toronto. NBPA Exec Dir
Billy Hunter: "The Bulls' action in suspending Rodman for
two games was excessive, unprecedented and in violation of
the express terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Worse yet, we believe the Bulls were motivated by other
economic concerns, as it will now be more difficult for
Dennis to earn bonuses in his contract for playing in a
certain amount of games" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/12).
FROM THE BULL'S MOUTH: Bulls VP/Basketball Operations
Jerry Krause: "We feel the action we took was proper because
what Dennis said was wrong. Of course the union thinks just
about every punishment is excessive when its made against
one of their members. If Dennis chooses to press the
matter, we will be prepared to respond and defend our
actions." Krause said he warned Rodman to watch his
language: "Dennis knew that his interview was being aired
live. That's why I had cautioned him strongly beforehand,
'Now Dennis, don't say anything wrong. I know you are
upset. But please be careful about what you say'" (Lacy
Banks, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/12). According to Hunter, the
suspension will cost Rodman $104,878 in salary, but it
violates the CBA because the most the league can fine a
player is $20,000 (Terry Armour, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/12).
Columnist Jay Mariotti, on Rodman's role with the Bulls: "In
the end, the Bulls are better off losing a championship with
their dignity intact than selling out to a selfish,
attention-addicted nimrod who has no respect for their
steady place in sports history" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/11).
