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Tuesday, November 7, 2000
Sprewell gets off with warning
Associated Press
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NEW YORK -- Latrell Sprewell of the New York Knicks was told
by NBA officials Monday to watch what he says about Chris Webber.
No fines or suspensions were imposed after the league investigated
possible tampering.
Sprewell, his agent and two officials from the players' union
met with the NBA's director of security and the league's general
counsel for about 30 minutes, a league spokeswoman said.
"They basically explained to him what the tampering rules are
for players. We're not going to take any disciplinary action right
now," NBA spokeswoman Teri Washington said.
Sprewell has told reporters that Webber wants to play in New
York. Webber will be a free agent next summer, but the Sacramento
Kings have said they have no intention of trading him.
"We're trying to make it happen, man, as soon as possible,"
Sprewell said of getting Webber to New York. "We're working on
it."
Sprewell has remained close with Webber since their days as
teammates in Golden State, and the two speak regularly.
League tampering rules prohibit teams from enticing players who
are under contract to another team, but such rules are usually
applied to coaches and front office personnel -- not players.
Sprewell's comments apparently came so close to crossing that
line that the league felt it prudent to explain the tampering rules
to Sprewell in person.
"We're pleased that the matter has been resolved and the issue
put to rest," union spokesman Dan Wasserman said.
Sprewell met with league officials Monday before flying to
Milwaukee for New York's game against the Bucks. This was Sprewell's first brush with trouble since he was fined $10,000
almost a year ago for cursing at fans in his first game at Golden
State since being traded by the Warriors in the aftermath of his
choking attack on then-coach P.J. Carlesimo.
Sprewell has also commented publicly about his recruiting of Joe
Smith, who became a free agent when commissioner David Stern voided
his current contract and his two previous ones.
Smith is appealing the punishment, and a decision from an
arbitrator is expected this week. If Smith loses his appeal, the
Knicks are believed to be one of the teams he would consider
signing with for the remainder of this season.
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ALSO SEE
Appeals panel refuses to reinstate Sprewell's 'baseless complaint'
Sprewell whets Knicks fans' appetite with Webber mention
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