Boston Celtics reach a financial settlement with Vin Baker

[Max Power]

Friday, April 16, 2004

ESPN.com news services

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics reached a financial settlement with Vin Baker, ending an arbitration process that began after both the forward and the players' union filed a grievance to block the team from terminating his contract.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported that Baker, who joined the New York Knicks after being released by Boston, will receive between $15 million and $17 million in the settlement.

The Celtics did not reveal terms of the settlement, but said in a statement released Friday that it "amicably" resolved the pending grievance. The team said there would be no further challenge to the termination of Baker's contract.

Baker, the NBA Players' Association, and the Celtics agreed to keep confidential the financial terms of the settlement, the team said.

"We feel this is a step forward for the franchise and hope that it leads to a new beginning for him," said Celtics spokesman Bill Bonsiewicz.

The Celtics terminated Baker's contract in February with 2½ years and $35 million remaining. Baker missed 10 games after being suspended for violating terms of his alcohol treatment program.

The players' union argued the suspension violated the collective bargaining agreement. After Baker won his grievance, he agreed to play for the Knicks.

An arbitration hearing that was scheduled for April 26 is canceled as a result of the agreement with the Celtics, the team said.

Baker's agent, Aaron Goodwin, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Baker was first suspended Feb. 27, 2003, and didn't play again last season. He received treatment for alcoholism at a rehab facility in New Canaan, Conn. He got into much better physical shape and started strongly this season, scoring in double figures in 21 of his first 35 games.

On Jan. 23, Baker was suspended indefinitely by the Celtics for failing to comply with his aftercare program. It was his third suspension.

[MavKikiNYC]

What a joke.

That's a lot of 6-packs though.

[dirno2000]

Any team that's stupid enough to trade for Vin Baker deserves what they get.