Decision Gets Mixed Reviews

Garry St. Jean heard the news and had a hard time believing it.

“I was kind of speechless,” the Golden State general manager said. “I sat there and just looked out the window.”

His reaction mirrored the responses of others Wednesday as word spread that the termination of Sprewell’s contract had been overturned and his suspension had been reduced by five months.

Sprewell, a former All-Star, was penalized for choking coach P.J. Carlesimo at practice Dec. 1.

Arbitrator John Feerick reinstated Sprewell’s contract and reduced the suspension by five months, meaning it will expire July 1.

St. Jean said the Warriors basically have two options once Sprewell comes off his suspension - trade him or keep him. He did not rule out the possibility of Sprewell’s return but said no decision has been made on what approach the team will take.

“One thing I have learned in the NBA is you never say never,” St. Jean said.

“We felt we had a very strong case. When our guys left (the arbitration hearing), we felt we had a (win).”

Warriors forward Donyell Marshall called the ruling a great victory for Sprewell and added he would have no problem playing with him again, though he doubted the two sides will come together again.

“He didn’t do anything to me,” Marshall said. “But the damage probably has been done. I don’t think they would bring back P.J. and Sprewell back together at the same time.”

St. Jean said the Warriors organization would stand by its coach, who has been criticized for his abrasive style.

“We have a heckuva guy and a heckuva coach sitting on our bench in P.J. Carlesimo,” he said.

Around the league, players generally said Sprewell had been punished enough.

“I always thought that he should get a second chance,” Boston’s Popeye Jones said. “I know Latrell. I’m a friend of Latrell’s and hopefully, he can put it behind him.”