Dennis Rodman was fined $50,000 by NBA Commissioner
David Stern for statements made concerning the Mormon
population in Salt Lake City. Stern, in a statement: "I
have indicated in previous actions that insensitive or
derogatory comments involving race or other classifications
are unacceptable in the NBA. ... Rodman's comments were
exactly the kind of offensive remarks that cannot be
tolerated or excused" (NBA). Rodman "apologized" for his
remarks: "My comments were meant for the people, not for the
Mormon religion. Just the fans in the stands who were
giving me the finger. ... I'm sorry about that, to the
extent it was interpreted as knocking their religion" (SUN-
TIMES, 6/13). Bulls GM Jerry Krause: "[W]e will not dispute
the fine." Rodman's agent, Dwight Manley, "said that when
the season is over, he will discuss the matter further with
Stern." Manley: "Whether you like what he said or not, it's
an expression of freedom of speech. ... We'll take it up
with the league" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/13).
PROUD OF THE PEACOCK? In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes on
NBC's handling of the Rodman remarks during Game Five on
Wednesday, noting a reference to the story in the pregame
show, and Marv Albert's reference early in the first
quarter. Raissman: "NBC can say it didn't duck the story.
But if anyone at NBC Sports does some soul-searching, they
will realize they didn't go far enough." Raissman:
"Tonight, NBC will get a crack at exploring what went down.
Will the network deliver the goods or go in the tank?" (N.Y.
DAILY NEWS, 6/13). Also in N.Y., Phil Mushnick writes on
the 9:20 pm ET tip-off for Wednesday's Game Five: "Now that
the NBA is widely recognized as brilliant at marketing to
young people, it's beginning to take young people, as well
as many adults, for granted" (N.Y. POST, 6/13).
