KNICK NOTES
When the NBA metes out punishment for on-court altercations, the New York-based league office never seems to take it easy on the Knicks.
Clarence Weatherspoon’s one-game suspension – served last night against Toronto – left Don Chaney scratching his head in bewilderment.
“I was surprised at the amount and surprised more at the suspension,” said Chaney, who spoke with ‘Spoon at yesterday’s morning shootaround. “He didn’t appear to be shocked. but I was.”
Meanwhile, Knick enforcer Kurt Thomas indicated the league seems to go heavier on the Knicks than other squads and Thomas knows from experience.
“You just do your history and draw your own conclusions on that,” Thomas cracked.
‘Spoon got a one-game suspension and fined an additional $20,000, though it was the Spurs’ Kevin Willis who threw a punch during their battle Monday. ‘Spoon did push Willis out of bounds and tried to get at him in the tunnel after their ejections, all with league disciplinarian Stu Jackson in attendance.
The one-game suspension also cost ‘Spoon $55,000 in wages garnished (1/90th his $5M annual salary), and he may appeal. Willis got suspended one game but didn’t get fined, even though he threw a punch.
“I thought it should’ve been even both ways,” Thomas said.
Weatherspoon was not permitted to be at the Garden last night but Thomas got in a nice verbal jab at Willis last night.
“I’ve never seen Kevin get in a fight, but he starts a lot of stuff,” Thomas said with a sly grin.