The NBA fined Charlotte Bobcats part-owner Michael Jordan
$15,000 for discussing Texas freshman Kevin Durant during an
interview last week.
Team coaches and executives are barred from talking about
underclassmen who have yet to declare for the NBA draft. But in an
interview with The Charlotte Observer last Tuesday, Jordan said he
was interested in versatile players and added, "The kid who may
present that is the kid in Texas. (He) may have that because he has
all the right signs."
A Bobcats spokesman Tuesday confirmed the fine, which is at
least the second in a week for an NBA team involving Durant, the
6-foot-10 forward who is expected to be the first or second overall
pick if he declares for the draft.
The Boston Celtics were fined $30,000 after general manager
Danny Ainge sat next to Durant's mother during the Big 12
tournament.
(China Daily via AP March 21, 2007)