Even if the NBA avoids labor trouble and starts its 2005-06 season on time, George Karl won’t.
The Nuggets’ coach was suspended for the first three regular-season games this fall for violating league rules regarding contact between NBA team officials and players not yet eligible for the draft. The league also fined the Nuggets $200,000.
The violations took place May 16-18 in Milwaukee, where, according to an NBA press release, Karl watched at least one draft-ineligible underclassman.
The league did not release its list of eligible underclassmen until May 19. Illinois junior guard Deron Williams was among those participating in a workout run by former University of Utah coach Rick Majerus at Marquette.
It is believed Karl was also watching his son, Coby Karl, during the workouts. Though his son, a Boise State guard, is also draft-ineligible, league rules permit Karl to watch him play because of their family ties.
“George made an innocent mistake but we take full responsibility for these actions,” Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said in a statement. “The Denver Nuggets fully respect league rules and regulations and we regret any inadvertent violation that occurred.”
Karl was unavailable for comment and Majerus declined comment.
The NBA has a recent history of meting out similar punishments for this type of violation. Former Cleveland coach John Lucas was suspended for two games and the Cavaliers were fined $150,000 after Lucas watched then-high school star LeBron James work out before league rules allowed in 2002.
The same year, then-Dallas coach Don Nelson and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson received the same punishment for similar infractions.
Footnotes
The agent for pending free agent Michael Redd told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel the Nuggets were among the “obvious” teams that might try to acquire the Bucks shooting guard through a sign-and-trade deal.
“I think there are some obvious ones,” Kevin Poston said of teams with interest. “Everyone knows that Cleveland wanted him. Dallas had put an offer out on him a couple years ago. Everybody knows that George Karl is still in this game. You just have to add it up. Reggie Miller is leaving Indiana, and he’s a two (guard). Why wouldn’t you want Michael Redd? Those are just four teams off the gate.”
Unless the NBA and players union fail to reach a new collective bargaining agreement this month, teams may begin contacting free agents July 1.
Staff writer Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or at athompson@denverpost.com
