Union investigated by federal officials

The federal government is investigating the business practices of the NBA players’ association.

The union confirmed Friday it has received a subpoena for documents from the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan and said it will cooperate with the investigation.

The NBPA also said in a statement that it has appointed a special committee to oversee an internal inquiry, including a financial audit.

Recent reports have questioned the NBPA’S finances and spending practices, largely having to do with the hiring of family members and firms that employ relatives of executive director Billy Hunter. Hunter said he will cooperate with the internal inquiry, but will not be in involved in the effort so it remains independent.

Players association president Derek Fisher apparently also is under pressure after asking for a review of union finances. He reportedly was asked to resign, but there was no word Friday night about whether he would step down.

Sacramento is saddled with all the same problems and uncertainty as a year ago.

A new arena is still needed to keep the Kings from leaving town. A talented young core has yet to blend together, and the roster still needs significant upgrades.

Kings coach Keith Smart, who replaced the fired Paul Westphal after a 2-5 start, had his contract extended for next season. Little else about the future — on and off the court — is that clear.

The Maloof family that owns the Kings backed out of a tentative $391 mil- lion deal for a new downtown arena with the city, reigniting fears that the franchise could leave for Anaheim or consider Seattle’s latest push. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and the owners broke off talks again Friday after meeting at City Hall, and the two sides are sounding more and more like a couple headed for divorce.

“I’m disappointed for Sacramento,” Johnson said. “When you do all that you can, normally the reward is a victory, and I think our community was planning to win.”

Forward Corey Maggette said the Bobcats face plenty of questions, but club owner Michael Jordan’s commitment to winning is not among them.

Jordan has endured plenty of criticism after Charlotte finished with the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history. Despite that, Maggette said players enjoy playing for Jordan and doesn’t believe free agents will shy away from signing with Charlotte because “he’s a winner, and will be a winner” again.

Coach Paul Silas’ contract is up. It’s unclear if Jordan will re-sign him, hand the reigns of the team over to Silas’ son, Stephen, or simply move in another direction completely and clean house.

Silas has said he hopes to coach one more season. Rod Higgins, president of basketball operations, did not return calls seeking comment on Silas’ future.