The Knicks' acquisition of G Latrell Sprewell came
after a two-hour interview between Sprewell and MSG
President & CEO Dave Checketts, Knicks GM Ernie Grunfeld and
Knicks VP/Player Personnel Ed Tapscott at an "undisclosed
location" in Milwaukee, according to Selena Roberts of the
N.Y. TIMES. Checketts, on the controversial decision to
bring in Sprewell, after talking "two years earlier about
putting a wholesome product" on the floor at MSG: "A lot has
happened in my thinking over the last 48 hours or so. To
make the statements I have about not wanting certain players
on my team or on our team, I guess I'd have to say that was
pretty judgmental and almost self-righteous, and I regret
having said those things" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/22). Checketts: "I
felt I owed it to the fans of New York and the New York
Knicks to do everything we can to win. You just don't get a
chance to get a talent like this" (Bergen RECORD, 1/22).
THIS IS NO CHOKE: NEWSDAY's Shaun Powell writes that by
acquiring Sprewell, Checketts "became like all the others,
willing to stoop for the sake of winning" (NEWSDAY, 1/22).
In NJ, Adrian Wojnarowski writes that despite Checketts
being an "honorable man," he "has thrown his professional
reputation on the line for Sprewell." Wojnarowski: "More
important, he has threatened to alienate loyal Knicks fans"
(RECORD, 1/22). In N.Y., Phil Mushnick writes under the
header, "Just Another Thug In Checkett's Garden" (N.Y. POST,
1/22). In N.Y., Jay Greenberg: "To keep the building sold
out, the Knicks have sold their soul" (N.Y. POST, 1/22).
THE WORM TURNS: In Chicago, Lacy Banks writes that
teams are "reluctant to take a chance" on signing Dennis
Rodman because they "believe his wavering" on the retirement
announcement was "simply to draw attention" to his "Tonight
Show" appearance this evening, and they fear his "promise to
strip naked after his last NBA game -- and he really only
needs one game to achieve that goal" (SUN-TIMES, 1/22).
NOTES: Wizards club seat tickets holders will receive
credit for this year's canceled games. The team will offer
6% interest and credit for tickets next year, instead of
refunds. Club seat holders can use the credit toward other
events at the MCI Center (WASHINGTON POST, 1/22).
