Fined Worm Whines
Dennis Rodman, one day after receiving the largest fine in NBA history, says he’s being singled out again by the league.
“I don’t think I should’ve been fined. I gave my apology,” Rodman said Friday, discussing his $50,000 fine for making insulting and profane comments about Mormons.
Rodman was fined $25,000 and suspended 11 games earlier this season for kicking a cameraman, a banishment that cost him more than $1 million in salary. He also had to donate the salary from his next 11 games to charity.
“Look at all the things that are going on with me and the league, and every time they fine me it’s like a record,” Rodman said at the Bulls’ morning shootaround.
“I got fined 11 games, $1.5 million. Dennis did this; Dennis did that. I guess there are people in this league that, in my position, that can’t say what they want to say and be free about it. So, I guess I’ll keep doing what I’ve been doing.”
Rodman was disturbed that Charles Barkley made sexist comments about women broadcasters, saying they shouldn’t be allowed to cover men’s sports, and was not punished. He recently apologized to NBC’s Hannah Storm.
Rodman apologized to the Mormons on Thursday, before his fine was levied.
“I didn’t create anything. Charles Barkley says things about women’s rights and he comes back and apologizes and no one says anything about that.
“I apologize for religion or the Mormons. That’s not good enough. They want to take away my First Amendment rights …”
Dress it up
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan was unhappy with his team during Friday’s shootaround. Their intensity didn’t please him, and neither did the attire of backup center Greg Foster.
Foster couldn’t find his shorts and had to wear sweat pants.
“I just misplaced them. There was a little overreaction by both parties,” Foster said.
“Guys can’t get their uniforms straight to start with. If you can’t get your uniforms on how can you play?” said Sloan.
Jordan for life
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf says the contract situations of star Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson might not be resolved for a month.
“I don’t want to throw any deadlines out there,” Reinsdorf told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Reinsdorf said he’d chatted with Jackson while the Bulls were in Salt Lake City. Jordan has said he won’t return if Jackson doesn’t.
Reinsdorf says he wants Jordan back and hopes he remains with the Bulls in some capacity forever.
Asked if that meant allowing Jordan some ownership, Reinsdorf said: “In whatever capacity he would like and would make sense.”
Net buddies
Reserves Jud Buechler of the Bulls and Adam Keefe of the Jazz are respected volleyball players and friends from San Diego.
“Jud is better on the beach and I’m better indoors,” Keefe said.