ESPN Network: ESPN.com | NFL.com | NBA.com | NHL.com | WNBA.com | ABCSports | EXPN | FANTASY | INSIDER

  Scores/Schedules
  Standings
  Statistics
  Transactions
  Injuries
  Players
  Message Board
  NBA StatSearch
  NBA en espaņol
Clubhouses






Saturday, January 20, 2001
Payton had 'very productive discussions' with Sonics



SEATTLE -- Gary Payton is sorry for his behavior that caused a one-game suspension and talks of a possible trade.

"I want to apologize to my teammates and to the fans of Seattle," Payton said Saturday in a statement.

Payton said he met individually with coach Nate McMillian, team President and General Manager Wally Walker and Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz, who headed a group of investors that bought the Sonics for $200 million on Jan. 11.

"We had very productive discussions, and have agreed to put this behind us and move forward," Payton said.

He was expected play against Sacramento here Sunday night.

Payton, who has worn the Sonics' jersey for more than 11 years, said he has always been proud to be part of the team.

"Our commitment from this point forward is to continue to win games and prepare for the playoffs," he said.

Payton and McMillan got into a shouting match in the locker room after the Sonics' 89-90 home loss to Phoenix on Wednesday. McMillan suspended Payton the next day for actions that were "detrimental to the team."

Walker said Thursday that trading Payton had become a possibility.

Payton's absence was felt as the Sonics lost 98-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Earlier this season, Payton was suspended for a game after a confrontation with then-coach Paul Westphal on Nov. 21 at Dallas. Payton had to be separated from Westphal on the court and later criticized him to reporters. Westphal was fired six days later and was replaced by McMillan, then-assistant coach and former Sonic.
ALSO SEE
Hughes: It's time to move Payton's Place

Your thoughts on Payton

Payton timeline: How much is enough?

Contrite, suspended Payton admits 'I broke a rule'




ESPN.com:  HELP |  ADVERTISER INFO |  CONTACT US |  TOOLS |  SITE MAP
Copyright ©2000 ESPN Internet Group. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site. Employment opportunities at ESPN.com.