Lakers fined $500,000 for violating anti-tampering rule
New Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s contact with Paul George’s agent violated the NBA’s anti-tampering rule and resulted in a $500,000 fine for Los Angeles on Thursday.
The league said a law firm’s independent investigation didn’t find evidence of an agreement or an understanding that the Lakers would sign or acquire George, who was with the Indiana Pacers at the time. George later was traded to Oklahoma City.
“We respect and accept the NBA’s decision regarding this matter,” Pelinka said in a statement. “On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, I want to express our regret over this unfortunate incident to both our fans and the NBA.”
The league had warned the Lakers about tampering following comments by president of basketball operations Magic Johnson about George on national TV on April 20.
The league said Pelinka’s contact with George’s agent “constituted a prohibited expression of interest in the player while he was under contract.”
Attorney Adam Streisand, who represents the Lakers, called the investigation thorough and said, “We can assure the fans that the Lakers will be hyper-vigilant going forward to make sure this is never an issue again.” IRVING SAYS GOODBYE » Kyrie Irving did not mention LeBron James, now his former teammate, while thanking Cleveland fans after his trade to Boston was finalized. Irving, who is now officially a member of the Celtics after the teams completed a blockbuster deal that had stalled, posted a lengthy thank-you note and video on his Instagram account. While somewhat vague about his intentions, the All-Star guard explained some the reasons that led to him requesting the Cavaliers trade him fol- lowing six seasons — and three straight trips to the NBA Finals. In a meeting last month with Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert, Irving said he wanted out. RANDOLPH CHARGED» Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph has been charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession and resisting arrest following an incident this month when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project, prosecutors. The two-time NBA All- Star had initially been arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to sell — a felony — but Los Angeles city prosecutors instead charged Randolph with misdemeanor drug possession. Court documents say the 36-year- old Randolph possessed “more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than four grams of concentrated cannabis or both.” PONDEXTER TO BULLS?» A person familiar with the situation says the Pelicans have agreed to trade veteran forward Quincy Pondexter and second-round draft choice to the Chicago Bulls — a move that will give New Orleans more financial flexibility to round out their roster with a small forward after Solomon Hill’s offseason hamstring tear. The person also says rookie Frank Jackson, acquired with the first pick in the second round of this summer’s draft, needs surgery on the same foot he broke this year and previously had surgery on in May.
Cycling
FROME STILL LEAD DESPITE CRASHES » Chris Froome crashed twice as rivals reduced his Spanish Vuelta lead in Stage 12, which was won by Lotto- Soudal rider Tomasz Marczynski. Fourtime Tour de France winner Froome needed help from two Sky teammates to limit the time lost after he tumbled to the asphalt twice on the stage’s long, final descent when trying to respond to a surprise attack by Alberto Contador. Vincenzo Nibali cut 20 seconds off Froome’s advantage and now trails by 59 seconds in second place.
Soccer
PULISIC A RISING STAR FOR US. » As Christian Pulisic warmed up for training ahead of Friday’s critical World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, retired goalkeeper Kasey Keller marveled at the young American star who might wind up the country’s best ever. “I’m truly blown away with where he’s at, where he can go,” Keller said Thursday at Red Bull Arena. “I could see Christian being bought for $100 million by a Barcelona, a Real Madrid, a Manchester United, a Chelsea, a Bayern Munich. He has an opportunity to be that first kind of marquee U. S. national team player that’s been bought for a ton of money and starred for one of the biggest teams in the world for a long time.”
Horse racing
SONGBIRD RETIRES » Champion filly Songbird has been retired five days after she lost for just the second time in 15 career starts. Owner Rick Porter of Fox Hill Farm said Thursday that he made the decision after an examination showed an enlarge- ment of both of the 4-yearold filly’s hind suspensory ligaments. Porter said it would be dangerous for Songbird to continue training and veterinarian Larry Bramlage wasn’t optimistic that the situation would improve in time. Last Saturday, Songbird lost by a neck to longshot Forever Unbridled in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga. Her season debut had been delayed while she recovered from bone bruising last winter.
Olympics
IOC WANTS USEFUL VENUES POST GAMES » The International Olympic Committee warned organizers in Pyeongchang that they risk creating white elephants from 2018 Winter Games venues. Completing a final full inspection visit before the Feb. 9 opening ceremony, an IOC panel predicted a successful Olympics but said “definitive legacy use for several venues is still outstanding.” “The IOC has once again requested that final plans be presented as a priority,” the Olympic body said in a statement. Olympic venues that lie underused after the games is a longstanding problem, and lately hurt the reputation of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.