The Seattle Supersonics suspended Gary Payton after his outburst last night. The suspension is for a minimum of one game for 'conduct detrimental to the team.' Wally Walker said in a statement that 'while this was an act that was not taken lightly, we believe that both Gary and the team will move forward positively upon Gary's return.' A source inside the Sonics told NBAtalk that Gary Payton was on the phone with his agent, Aaron Goodwin, most of the morning. If Goodwin demands that the Sonics fire Westphal, the source said the Sonics would likely let Westphal go as opposed to trading Payton. The source also told NBAtalk that, contrary to previously published reports, Payton did not support Westphal when he recently offered to step down as coach. He merely said that he didn't want to be known as a player who runs out a coach. Hardly an endorsement. According to the source, most of the team, with the exception of Brent Barry, are at odds with Westphal. The source said that many in the organization supported Westphal's move to sit down Payton as 'long overdue.' But that given the history between the two and the continuing struggles of the team the move might have been 'too late to save his job.' Gary Payton, calmly: "If he's going to disrespect me, I'm not going to play for him, period. He say something bad to me, that I think is bad, and he will not disrespect me like that." ------------------ Vice President of the Jason Collier fan club! [This message has been edited by Francis3 (edited November 22, 2000).]
What right does Gary have to say that? He is being paid millions and millions of dollars, and he threatens to not play? A professional HAS to play with such an insane paycheck. I hope Westphal is able to keep his job. Just as I was getting to like Gary, he goes and acts like this. How cheap. ------------------ 2000-2001 Rockets Game Formulas: End of 1st quarter: "They're playing so well!" 2nd: "What a great game!" 3rd: "Theres no way they can lose now!" 4th: "What the ******* **** happened?!!" Revote! Revote! Revote!...... Rocket's Championship 2001!!
Very little Professionalism in Professional Sports Gary can't quit and play for a competitor like normal folx and the NBa can't fire him like normal folx They have a strange relationship these sports conglomerates. Rocket River ------------------
Gary Payton, calmly: "If he's going to disrespect me, I'm not going to play for him, period. He say something bad to me, that I think is bad, and he will not disrespect me like that." Another Gary used to say things like this. His last name was Gilmore... ------------------ My dream job is to be a Houston Rockets towel boy.
Not anymore. The suspension was reversed- GP doesn't miss any time. http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2000/1122/895967.html ------------------ President of the Jason Collier fan club! Looking for next year's Jason Collier or Dan Langhi? Draftsource.net ClutchTown.com
not a good move by the sonics organization. while its a good move in the sense they have a better chance of winning, it sets a RREALLY bad example. that the player can basically get away with whatever he wants. i dont care how good gary is, you gotta sit him for something like this. this is quitten level -- sitting cuz you dont get the ball for the last shot. yeah they might lose a couple... but i dont think its worth it to let gary keep going and send the message that you can disobey the coach. ------------------ people who are related dont have to look alike. my mom and dad dont resemble each other at all
Man thank goodness for Seattle they had GP tonight against the Spurs. Only a 27 point loss for them!!! ------------------ President of the Jason Collier fan club! Looking for next year's Jason Collier or Dan Langhi? Draftsource.net ClutchTown.com
