| | ESPN.com news services
NEW YORK -- Mike Jarvis, who had been discussing the
Washington Wizards coaching job with team president Michael Jordan,
said Monday he has taken his name out of consideration for the NBA
job.
|  | | Mike Jarvis won't be saying goodbye to St. John's just yet. |
"As many of you know, I have been in discussion with the
Washington Wizards about the head coaching position. Unfortunately,
we have not been able to come to a mutual agreement. Therefore, a
short time ago I informed Michael Jordan of my desire to withdraw
my name from consideration for the job," Jarvis said in a
statement. "I wish to now turn my full attention and energy to the
task of preparing for the next season at St. John's."
Sources close to the Wizards and Jarvis told ESPN.com Monday morning that the deal was essentially off because of financial issues and how much control Jarvis would have been given.
A source close to Jarvis said he was looking for a deal to
pay him close to $3 million a season, the same money offered by Atlanta
to Michigan State's Tom Izzo. But the Wizards were not willing to
budge above $2 million.
A source also said Jarvis wasn't comfortable with the
management structure and his role in the decision making.
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Agent never said Jarvis seeking other jobs
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The agent representing Mike Jarvis denied Tuesday that he said his client was considering other coaching opportunities after ending talks with the Washington Wizards.
The agent, Rob Ades, who is from the Washington D.C. area, denied speaking to an Associated Press
reporter Monday night.
Robert Ades, resident of New York, told ESPN Radio Wednesday morning that he in fact made those comments to AP after the wire service had left several phone messages seeking comment on Jarvis' future. The New York Ades told ESPN Radio that he thought it was all part of a prank by friends, so he played along. He said AP did not ask questions confirming that he was Jarvis' agent.
-- ESPN.com news services
|
Jordan, the Wizards president of basketball operations, had been
talking to Jarvis since last week but on Sunday he gave an
indication that the St. John's coach was not the only candidate.
"There are a lot of other candidates just as qualified,"
Jordan said Sunday of Jarvis. "He's one of the guys who's
interesting."
Wizards officials were unavailable for comment Monday night.
Jarvis' withdrawal leaves just one known candidate, veteran NBA
coach Lenny Wilkens, who interviewed with Jordan two weeks ago.
Jarvis has coached two seasons at St. John's, leading the Red
Storm to a 53-17 record and two appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Jarvis thanked the Wizards for their attention.
"I would like to express my appreciation to the Wizards
organization, especially Michael Jordan, for their interest,"
Jarvis said in his statement. "I would also like to thank the president of St.
John's, Father Donald Harrington, athletic director Edward Manetta
Jr. and our loyal fans for their support and understanding in this
process."
It was reported last week that Jarvis had been offered the job,
a fact he and Jordan denied.
"I am delighted that Mike is staying with us," Harrington
said. "He has been in regular contact throughout the process and I
was more than willing to support Mike and (his wife) Connie and
their decision whatever it may have been. I consider St. John's
blessed that they will continue to enhance our university
community."
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AUDIO/VIDEO
 The "other" Rob Ades talks to host Mike Greenberg about the Mike Jarvis situation.
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RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Mike Jarvis gives his version of the what happened with AP and Rob Ades.
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RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Mike Jarvis discusses his initial reaction to the false quotes.
wav: 655 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Mike Jarvis talks about declining the Wizards head coaching position.
wav: 825 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
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