The MA State Ethics Commission is investigating Nets
coach John Calipari for "his conduct" during his tenure as
coach of the UMass basketball team, according to Don Burke
of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. The commission "intends to
investigate" whether Calipari "misused his position ... to
gain profits and publicity from the 'Refuse to Lose' slogan
that he had trademarked." Burke wrote that the alleged
violations include "participating in the decision to place
the slogan ... on garments worn" by the UMass team; using
the team "as a means of gaining publicity for the slogan";
and "having a financial interest" in UMass contracts
involving trademarks. If the inquiry finds that Calipari
broke the law, he could be fined. Nets President Michael
Rowe had "no comment." Calipari, through a spokesperson,
called the story "old news" (STAR-LEDGER, 3/1).
CAN HE TAKE THE HEAT? During Friday's home loss to the
Heat, Calipari shouted "a profanity at a fan, which could
result in a league reprimand or suspension," according to
Michael James of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. During the game,
Calipari turned to a heckler and shouted "You shut your
mouth. Shut the (expletive) up." James wrote that the
comment "shocked many fans" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/1).
Calipari: "In the emotion of the moment, I said something I
shouldn't have said." NBA VP/Ops Rod Thorn said the league
would "look into" the incident (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/2).
