Cassell threatens a holdout

[dirno2000]

Timberwolves All-Star point guard Sam Cassell is looking for a multi-year contract extension, and he may not join the team until his demands are met, according to KFAN.com. Cassell did not fly into town for Monday's mandatory media-day session, and his agent, Dr. Charles Tucker, confirmed that the guard is prepared to hold out. Neither Tucker nor the Timberwolves could confirm if Cassell would let his holdout last into the regular season. Cassell is signed through the 2005-06 season and is scheduled to make $5.65 million this season.

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[alby]

i wonder how this story will develop, this can be potentially pretty bad for the wolves.. maybe kidd talks will come up again which means they'll be in salary cap hell forever, and they wont be letting mavericks-killer (hudson) play

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: dirno2000
Timberwolves All-Star point guard Sam Cassell did not fly into town for Monday's mandatory media-day session, and his agent, Dr. Charles Tucker, confirmed that the guard is prepared to hold out.

"fly into town"

well i guess Sam "the extraterrestrial" Cassell will remain docked with the mothership until futher notice

[bernardos70]

Capital City, thanks for bringing a smile to my face after a long day of work!

All I can say about this situation is: It feels so good to be a drama-free team.

[EricaLubarsky]

If you think giving Nash an extension was short-sighted, think about Cassell. Not only is he a whiny, pouty, self-centered person that you might not want on your team, he's 35 and has a history of injury! He's 35 years old and he is contracted with the Wolves through the 2005-2006 season. Does he honestly believe that he can force the hand of the Wolves to get a contract extension 2 seasons before his contract is up?!?! If I was any franchise in the league I wouldnt gamble on a 37 year old Cassell.

This move makes it very evident that Cassell has no team allegiance and holding out for a contract extension when you are 35, are perrennially hurt, and have 2 years left on contract is as insane as Artest saying he's the MVP. Cassell just doesnt know his worth.

[Male30Dan]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarskyCassell just doesnt know his worth.

He will soon!

[Male30Dan]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarskyCassell just doesnt know his worth.

He will soon!

[dude1394]

I think this is a shrewd move by cassell. He was as big a part of last year as garnett was imo. Without him they are very mediocre.

[seal614]

Cassell proved he was a top 3 PG last year and obviously was a huge part of their success. Who the hell knows where this is going.

- Brian

[EricaLubarsky]

Cassell Expected to Show for Camp on Wednesday
Steve Aschburner, Star Tribune
October 6, 2004 WOLF1006

COLLEGEVILLE, MINN. -- One man, Sam Cassell, stirred up trouble by staying away. Another man, Eddie Griffin, shows up trailing trouble behind him.

And the Timberwolves' quest for the 2005 NBA championship officially is one day old.

Cassell's unexcused absence from media day and the first day of training camp might end in time for today's single practice at St. John's University, Wolves owner Glen Taylor said Tuesday night. Taylor said he spoke with the veteran point guard earlier in the day and felt confident Cassell's unofficial holdout was ending.

"It's no problem," Taylor said. "I'm awfully sure Sam will be in camp [today]. I knew there were personal concerns ... I don't think it's a big deal."

Good thing, because if Cassell really is concerned about his pay rate ($11.75 million over the final two years on his contract), his bottom line was starting to tilt backwards. By missing the first two practices, he subjected himself to potential fines of $2,500 per session, the maximum allowed in the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. If Cassell were AWOL again today, the penalty (at the Wolves' discretion) could jump to $5,000 for that and any subsequent no-show.

Sam CassellCarlos GonzalezStar Tribune"I'm hoping. We'll see when it happens," Kevin McHale, Wolves vice president of basketball operations, said after the evening practice. "Until they show up, I'm not banking on nothing."

A contract extension beginning with the 2006-07 season was believed to be one of Cassell's issues. Another might have been an offseason trade rumor that had Cassell being packaged to New Jersey in a deal for Jason Kidd, agent Charles Tucker said.

Taylor said no contract talks have been promised to Cassell, but he did assure the 11-year veteran that his future with the Wolves is bright.

"When [the rumor] came up this summer, I talked to Sam about it," Taylor said. "I told him, 'It didn't come from us. You're our guy. But the call has come.' He's really pushed that he wants to be a leader and be a part of our organization for a long time."



maybe he just wanted some extra summer break. I know another way he can make his summer longer next year

[endtroducing]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
If you think giving Nash an extension was short-sighted, think about Cassell. Not only is he a whiny, pouty, self-centered person that you might not want on your team, he's 35 and has a history of injury! He's 35 years old and he is contracted with the Wolves through the 2005-2006 season. Does he honestly believe that he can force the hand of the Wolves to get a contract extension 2 seasons before his contract is up?!?! If I was any franchise in the league I wouldnt gamble on a 37 year old Cassell.

This move makes it very evident that Cassell has no team allegiance and holding out for a contract extension when you are 35, are perrennially hurt, and have 2 years left on contract is as insane as Artest saying he's the MVP. Cassell just doesnt know his worth.

whiny, pouty, self-centered? a guy that tried at all costs to play for his team in the playoffs, even with his back hurting badly? a guy that was wired up to a machine just to play, risking his health even further, just to play 45 seconds out of his deep loyalty and commitment to his team?

he DESERVES this from minnesota. good lord...what else does he have to do, play wearing a halo?

[EricaLubarsky]

a guy that's 35, looking for a long contract extension at 37, and a guy who would turn his back on his team and disprupt training camp in order to get that new contract.....hmmmm

And apparently you don't know much about Cassell's character. His personality was well publicized in Milwaukie and New Jersey. It's just been kept under wraps in Minnesota because they were so successful- kinda like the Kobe bitch-fest that only came out when they started losing. This report could not be swept under the rug, though and the small pieces of evidence will come out no matter how well he tries.

[dalmations202]

whiny, pouty, self-centered? a guy that tried at all costs to play for his team in the playoffs, even with his back hurting badly? a guy that was wired up to a machine just to play, risking his health even further, just to play 45 seconds out of his deep loyalty and commitment to his team?

he DESERVES this from minnesota. good lord...what else does he have to do, play wearing a halo?

He deserves this. He signed the contract. All those years he didn't meet expectations, he didn't give the $$$$ back. How hypocritical. He has two years left, and Minn shouldn't pay him a dime more, and should fine him way past his salary if he wants to disrupt and holdout. He will be another GP and prove he is not worth spit by the time this contract is up, why extend?

I really don't like when whiny millionaires gripe about not making enough millions.

[poohrichardson]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
a guy that's 35, looking for a long contract extension at 37, and a guy who would turn his back on his team and disprupt training camp in order to get that new contract.....hmmmm

And apparently you don't know much about Cassell's character. His personality was well publicized in Milwaukie and New Jersey. It's just been kept under wraps in Minnesota because they were so successful- kinda like the Kobe bitch-fest that only came out when they started losing. This report could not be swept under the rug, though and the small pieces of evidence will come out no matter how well he tries.

Wow, he "disrupted" training camp so much that he missed media day.. without a doubt the most important event of the entire season. He missed what? One practice? And all reports now are saying he's back and everyone's glad to see him, no hurt feelings.

You just HAVE to invent problems with every player that isn't in a Mavs uniform. Cassell has been a model citizen since he got traded to the Wolves and was a big reason they finished so well last year (read: they had a better season than Dallas). He's worth more than 7mil a year, at any age, because he was EASILY a top 2 or 3 point guard for the entirety of the last season.

Give the guy a fucking break.. he isn't Satan incarnate just because he's a great player NOT in a Dallas uniform.

[EricaLubarsky]

...

[EricaLubarsky]

I guess I just have an enious hatred of every player not on the Mavs. How silly do I feel right now

I should have based my opinion on all the glowing reviews of Cassel and how he doesn'y pout, how he gets along with all his coaches, how he gets along with his fellow players, how he isnt arrogant, etc. It would take a lot to ignore all the bad press he's gotten over the years for his behavior. I guess everyone is given a fresh start, and I gave it to him until he blew it by refusing to show up for training camp because the money-grubber wanted a contract extension 2 seasons before he needed it.

[poohrichardson]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
I guess I just have an enious hatred of every player not on the Mavs. How silly do I feel right now

There is zero evidence to the contrary.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally posted by: poohrichardson

There is zero evidence to the contrary.

wanna bet? If you want me to research some articles and further embarass you, then I will.

Hours after losing an NBA playoff game in New Jersey, Gary Payton, Sam Cassell and Jason Caffey of the Milwaukee Bucks surrendered to police in Toronto and were charged with assault for a fight earlier this month outside a strip club....They are accused of assaulting two men and two women outside a club after closing time while the Bucks were in Toronto to play the Raptors.

also, you are wrong on some facts, pooh. Cassell missed both media day and the first day of training camp, not just media day

[endtroducing]

you do, pretty much. even criticizing lebron for having a kid? lame.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally posted by: endtroducing
you do, pretty much. even criticizing lebron for having a kid? lame.

when did I do that? I think that the word "criticism" deserves some evidence.

If I remember correctly, I just stated, that I thought 19 was too young to have a child. I never said that he wasnt incredible. I never mentioned anything about his personality (which would be unwarranted.) except that he seemed to be mature for his age.

I guess I just have a blind hatred for Carmello Anthony and Im just a silly girl with a chip on her shoulder.

do either of you have ANY eivdence to support any of your claims or do you just like to make wild, baseless statements for fun?

[poohrichardson]

He missed one or two practices, Erica.. two at the very most. It's not a big deal the first day of practice.

Did I ever say he didn't have baggage coming into Minnesota? So did Spree, and that's putting it kindly. They've both been model citizens. Cassell wanting financial security isn't that big of a deal, especially since he just missed one day of practice.

I don't know if I've ever heard you say anything positive and constructive about a player out of a Dallas uniform. You loved Nash till he left.. I'm sure if you even watched basketball when we had Cassell you liked him until we traded him to Jersey. Van Exel.. Bell.. I've heard you trash everyone I've mentioned so far. You're just one of those fortunate souls that has JUST enough free time to complain about everything.

[EricaLubarsky]

I don't know if I've ever heard you say anything positive and constructive about a player out of a Dallas uniform.

well as someone saying bad things about me, I think it is your responsibilty to do the research and if you did, you'd know that there are quite a few players that I love. Even on the Suns. I have voiced my appreciation multiple times for players like Al Harrington, Tim Duncan, Ben Wallace, KG, Jahidi White, Eric Piatkowski, Kirk Hinrich, Adrian Griffin, Lucious Harris, Elton Brand, Chris Kaman....many, many more...

you could say that I like classy or nice players only, but just recently I defended Eddie Griffin.

I guess that means you should have done a little more research before making comments like "You just HAVE to invent problems with every player that isn't in a Mavs uniform". I'd say that my nice comments were before your time, but I have continuously said nice things about players throughout my time posting here. I guess you just missed or ignored all those.

I'm sure if you even watched basketball when we had Cassell you liked him until we traded him to Jersey.

nope, but that could be because I was 13 at the time. I watched many games that he played in New Jersey and Milwaukie and I disliked him every time. It was all through high school and I probably didnt do any research on him but whenever I turned on a Milwaukie game he was refusing to play and pouting and then I'd read in the newspaper about how he was fighting with his teammates and coaches. I even remember one instance where he threatened a teammate. All that has shaped my opinion of him.

[endtroducing]

he was in a bad situation there...he isn't in minnesota. van exel was the same way, almost worse...but yet he doesn't get slammed like he's some kind of nazi, just because he played here.

and yeah, who else would do Bradley for Cassell...?

[Evilmav2]

-Stupidity edit- I didn't remember seeing this article, and I read it on another forum where it was posted without a date. I should have looked at this thread a little more closely.

[poohrichardson]

Originally posted by: Evilmav2

Sam Cassell fails to report to camp

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...l.ap/index.html
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (AP) -- Sam Cassell was a no-show on the first day of training camp Tuesday, sending a message to the Minnesota Timberwolves that he was displeased about not getting a contract extension.

"He's not totally unhappy; he just feels it's time for him to look out for his interests," said Charles Tucker, Cassell's agent.

Tucker said he spoke to Cassell on Tuesday afternoon, and that his client was in Minneapolis. The agent said he hoped to meet with Cassell on Tuesday evening, but he didn't know when Cassell would report to camp. Cassell also missed the team's media day on Monday.

"Does he want to be there? Yes," Tucker said.

After the T'wolves' evening practice, vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said he also spoke with Cassell. McHale said he was hopeful that Cassell would report on Wednesday, but wouldn't guarantee it.

"Until they show up, I'm not banking on nothing," McHale said.

Cassell's contract calls for him to be paid $5.65 million this season and $6.1 million next season.

Tucker said Cassell, 34, wants to make sure that he's part of Minnesota's long-term plans.

Cassell had career bests in scoring (19.8 points per game) and shooting (48.8 percent) during the regular season and made his first All-Star team in his first season with Minnesota, his 10th in the league.

The trio of Cassell, league MVP Kevin Garnett and Latrell Sprewell led the T'wolves out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in team history. Minnesota lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals, a series that Cassell barely played in because of torn cartilage in his hip.

He had successful surgery in June to repair the cartilage.

Without Cassell, the T'wolves are thin at point guard because backup Troy Hudson is still recovering from ankle surgery that kept him out most of last season and all of the playoffs.

But coach Flip Saunders said he wasn't worried.

"No distraction at all," Saunders said. "The guys that aren't on the floor, I don't worry about. We'll just go as is."

Garnett, who became close friends with Cassell and Sprewell last season, didn't seem overly concerned.

"We as players support him," Garnett said, adding that he stayed in contact with Cassell this offseason and knew about his contract concerns.

"If we were in the dark, I think guys would be a lot more [wary] of where he's at or what's going on," Garnett said. "But again, the lines of communications are totally open between him and his teammates. We're just right here waiting on him to get here."

McHale said Cassell should have been at camp at St. John's University, and he will be fined for each day he misses. "Sam's under contract, we expect him to be here," he said.

When asked what he thought was the best way to resolve the situation, he said, "You have to ask Sam that."

That article is like... a week old now..

[alby]

he's just got really bad dial-up.

[sike]

THE ALIEN HAS LANDED.....

[Evilmav2]

Whoops...

[bernardos70]

What? Cucumbers are better than Pickles?