HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — LeBron James‘ manager said he believes race played a factor in how the two-time reigning NBA MVP’s decision to join the Miami Heat was covered this summer.
Maverick Carter did not cite specifics when talking to CNN for a story that aired Wednesday night, other than saying race “definitely played a role in some of the stuff coming out of the media” during coverage of James’ free-agent saga.
It’s not the first time race has been a discussion point in the aftermath of what was called “The Decision,” an oft-criticized televised special that raised $3 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
James did not want to spend much time on the subject after Thursday’s Heat practice.
“I think people are looking too far into it,” James said. “But at the same time, sometimes it does play a part in it. I’ve said what I had to say, and I’ll continue to move on.”
After James made his announcement July 8, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert responded that same evening by releasing a fiery letter to fans of his team, saying James was being “narcissistic” and “cowardly.”
That prompted the Rev. Jesse Jackson to enter the fray, saying the Cavs owner saw James as a “runaway slave.” Through a representative, Carter declined comment Thursday.
• The Indiana Pacers picked up the team option on center Roy Hibbert‘s contract.
• The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Anthony Roberson and center Russell Hicks.
Staal’s return could be later
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal is wearing a protective boot on his injured right foot and is not yet close to being able to skate or practice.
The Penguins’ initial estimate that one of the NHL’s best two-way forwards would return by late October might be overly optimistic, and it could be well into the season before Staal returns.
• The Edmonton Oilers waived defenseman Sheldon Souray and goalie Martin Gerber.
Nadal wins in opener
NONTHABURIM, Thailand — Rafael Nadal dispatched qualifier Ruben Bemelmans 6-1, 6-4 in his Thailand Open debut.
In his first match since winning the U.S. Open, the top-ranked Nadal lost only eight points on serve.
• Top-seeded Robin Soderling breezed past Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-0, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.
Footnotes.
ESPN sports personality Jay Mariotti pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to one count of misdemeanor domestic violence in connection with an incident in August in which police said he grabbed and pushed his girlfriend.
• reported that Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and the No. 1-ranked high school basketball recruit in the class of 2011, chose Duke over Kansas and North Carolina.
• Wake Forest center Tony Woods has been given a suspended 60-day sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assaulting a woman.
The AP
