If Tyrus Thomas collects any money at the NBA’s slam-dunk contest, a $10,000 fine Bulls general manager John Paxson levied Tuesday will offset his haul.
Paxson reacted swiftly and seriously to comments Thomas made in a Monday interview with the Chicago Tribune in which the rookie forward repeatedly claimed his only interest in the All-Star weekend event was the prize money.
Thomas was quoted as saying: “I’m just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day.”
“This fine is an appropriate response,” Paxson said in a statement. “It is a poor reflection on Tyrus individually and a poor reflection on the Bulls’ organization.
“The league office has chosen Tyrus to participate in one of its premier All-Star events and that is an honor that should be accepted with humility.”
An appeal is expected. The NBA league office has yet to determine if Thomas’ invitation will be rescinded.
Thomas said he planned to donate any money he won to his high school. In an interview after Bulls practice in Sacramento, Thomas more fully explained his remarks.
“Everybody who knows me knows I’m just a chill guy, so maybe I should’ve been enthused about it,” Thomas said. “Who wouldn’t want to be in the dunk contest?
“This is a learning experience for me. … A lot of people are going to look down on what I said. There’s nothing I can do now. It was totally misinterpreted. I’m going to go out and try to win the dunk contest and have fun and represent the Bulls well.”
– – –
10 grand for a grand old time
Here’s how Whizzer, who’s no stranger to Las Vegas, would spend Tyrus Thomas’ $10,000 fine during the NBA All-Star weekend Feb. 16-18.
278
gourmet dinners at Bellagio ($35.95 each). Whizzer doesn’t do puppy chow.
5
HOURS AT SCORES
How would he spend it that fast? Sorry, what happens in the champagne room, stays in the champagne room.
1
BET
That Charles Barkley loses the gross domestic product of Guam during All-Star weekend.
48
TICKETS
To Celine Dion–VIP section, of course–for 48 of his closest enemies ($204.55 each).
799
RIDES
On the roller coaster at New York New York ($12.50 each). The other $10 is for barf bags after 799 rides on the roller coaster at New York New York.
