The already bizarre situation between The New York Knicks and their point guard Stephon Marbury took yet another turn today. Knicks president Donnie Walsh announced the suspension of their disgruntled all star after refusing to play in Wednesday's game against The Detroit Pistons.
"A player's central obligation is to provide his professional services when called upon," said Walsh. "Because he refused the coach's request to play in the team's last game, we had no choice but to impose disciplinary action."
The Knicks have made headlines all season long with head coach Mike D'Antoni's firm stance in keeping Marbury out of the lineup even with his exceedingly expensive salary. The only constant throughout has been the large deposits made into Marbury’s bank account every two weeks with James Dolans signature at the bottom right hand corner. This is because the Knicks owe close to $21 million to the former all star.
This is the second game Marbury has refused to dress for with D’Antoni’s “break the glass in case of emergency” tactic that has forced a further wedge between the two. "We need to separate from the relationship," he said. "The marriage is over. It's a done deal." Marbury said his suspicion of D'Antoni has reached the point that "I wouldn't trust him to walk my dog across the street."
Espn.com reports that Marbury has been asked to stay away from the team until Monday where they will reevaluate his contract status. If the two cannot concur to a buyout agreement or find a potential trading partner it is possible the franchise will send Marbury home until his contract eventually runs out.
"A player's central obligation is to provide his professional services when called upon," said Walsh. "Because he refused the coach's request to play in the team's last game, we had no choice but to impose disciplinary action."
The Knicks have made headlines all season long with head coach Mike D'Antoni's firm stance in keeping Marbury out of the lineup even with his exceedingly expensive salary. The only constant throughout has been the large deposits made into Marbury’s bank account every two weeks with James Dolans signature at the bottom right hand corner. This is because the Knicks owe close to $21 million to the former all star.
This is the second game Marbury has refused to dress for with D’Antoni’s “break the glass in case of emergency” tactic that has forced a further wedge between the two. "We need to separate from the relationship," he said. "The marriage is over. It's a done deal." Marbury said his suspicion of D'Antoni has reached the point that "I wouldn't trust him to walk my dog across the street."
Espn.com reports that Marbury has been asked to stay away from the team until Monday where they will reevaluate his contract status. If the two cannot concur to a buyout agreement or find a potential trading partner it is possible the franchise will send Marbury home until his contract eventually runs out.
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