NBA Fines Knicks Coach for Favorable Comments about Ohio State Player
NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA has fined the New York Knicks for Phil Jackson's comments about Ohio State freshman D'Angelo Russell.
Jackson watched the Buckeyes' 81-57 victory over Nebraska last Thursday and afterward told Cleveland.com that Russell was a "great-looking kid" and a "great prospect."
NBA spokesman Tim Frank confirmed the fine Tuesday night but did not disclose the amount. Team personnel are prohibited from publicly discussing players who aren't yet eligible for the NBA draft.
The Knicks have the NBA's worst record at 12-47 following their 124-86 loss to Sacramento on Tuesday, putting them in position to land the top pick.
Jackson, the Knicks' president of basketball operations, had been fined $25,000 last year for mentioning Derek Fisher as a coaching candidate while he was still playing for Oklahoma City. Fisher was eventually hired.