Seagulls Offer Sprewell A Median-Wage Job

Latrell Sprewell is welcome in at least one league. If he’s willing to work cheap, that is.

Sprewell, who was fired from the Golden State Warriors last month after choking coach P.J. Carlesimo, will be offered a contract by the Atlantic City Seagulls of the U.S. Basketball League, owner Ken Gross said Thursday.

Sprewell, who had a four-year $25 million deal in the NBA, will be offered $30,785, or $592.04 per week. That was the median household income in the nation for 1992, the last year reported in The Statistical Abstract of the United States, Gross said.

“We’re offering Latrell much more - a chance to rehabilitate his reputation by showing every sports fan that he has the humility and courage to work for the average American wage.

He said it’s no publicity stunt.

“This is about giving a guy a second chance and an opportunity to showcase his skills,” Gross said. “It’s not a publicity stunt. How is it a publicity stunt offering a guy an opportunity?”

The offer won’t be made formally until an arbitrator rules on whether the Warriors acted properly in terminating Sprewell’s contract, Gross said.

The arbitration hearing begins Tuesday in Portland.

If he loses that battle, is willing to work for the Seagulls’ salary and would devote time to community service, he would be welcomed by Gross.

Sprewell could not be reached for comment.

Bucks extend Hill’s contract

The Milwaukee Bucks and forward Tyrone Hill agreed on a five-year contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2002-2003 season.

Mark Bartelstein, Hill’s agent, said the contract is worth at least $36 million and could exceed $40 million if Hill reaches all of its incentives.

Hill, who could have voided his previous contract after this season, will receive an additional $700,000 this season as well as his $3.9 million salary, Bartelstein said.

On the courts

Shawn Kemp scored 29 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped a three-game home losing streak Thursday with a 112-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Cavs rookie Brevin Knight added 10 points, 16 assists and five steals.

At Charlotte, N.C., David Wesley scored 26 points, including consecutive 3-pointers during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Houston Rockets, 93-86.