Tyrus Thomas Fined For Slam Dunk Contest Remarks
By Michael Williams (3/5/2007)
Chicago Bulls’ team management has taken Tyrus Thomas’ remakes regarding the NBA slum dunk contest very seriously. Thomas, a forward for the Chicago Bulls, was fined $10,000 by the organization his unprofessional remarks. He had remarked that he was taking part in the slam dunk contest just for the prize money and this created quite a stir.
John Paxson, executive vice president of the Bulls’ basketball operations, expressed his disappointment in Thomas’ remark. He said that this is truly an unprofessional attitude and presents an ugly picture of the organization and Thomas as an individual. Paxson said that the amount of the fine was appropriate for the comments made by Thomas.
When asked whether being around some of the great players of NBA would be beneficial to a rookie like him, Thomas had said that he was going to the contest for the free money and that was about all.
Scottie Pippen was the first Bulls player to participate in the slam dunk contest in 1990. Tyrus Thomas is the first player after Pippen to be selected for this contest which is scheduled to be held at Las Vegas on February 17, 2007. The winner of the contest will receive $35,000. The runner up $22,500, while the third and fourth place finishers will receive $16,125. New York’s Nate Robinson is the defending champion.
However, Thomas issued an apology through his agent stating that he was honored to be invited to the contest and he further added that he did not take this opportunity to represent the Bulls and city of Chicago lightly.
Thomas has played 41 games with an average of 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds. |