In another circus-like day in the Knicks’ world, Stephon Marbury was told by team president Donnie Walsh to stay away from practices and games after buyout talks hit a brick wall yesterday.
Marbury and Walsh failed to come close to reaching an accord during yesterday’s powwow at the Knicks’ practice facility in Greenburgh, even taking a step back. The meeting also was attended by Players Association attorney Hal Biagas.
MORE: Teammates Sound Off On Marbury
Marbury had a standing offer that he was willing to forego $1 million of his remaining wage. However, Marbury changed his stance after Walsh wanted him to take roughly $3 million less.
When asked about the $1 million offer, Marbury told The Post last night: “It’s off the table.”
The Post has learned the Players Association is looking into whether Walsh’s ban of Marbury is appropriate under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The order may need Marbury’s consent, even though Marbury is still being paid. The Players Association may dispute Walsh’s directive by filing a motion.
“There are certainly arguments we are looking into,” a Players’ Association source told The Post. “Anytime an employer imposes discipline, they have to demonstrate just cause. Why did they discipline him? And the contractual argument is he’s allowed to continue to market himself as a professional basketball player and keep in good physical condition.”
Walsh’s order came after Marbury knocked his teammates, coach Mike D’Antoni and Walsh in a Sunday interview with The Post.
Walsh added he hopes to continue to meet with Marbury and Biagas, but no future meeting has been scheduled.
“After meeting with Stephon and his representative this afternoon, we have directed Stephon not to participate in practice or attend games until further notice,” Walsh said in a statement. “We want to continue to meet with him to discuss a long-term resolution.”
The lack of finality was another black mark on Walsh’s handling of the Marbury saga, dragging out a controversy that has become a mammoth distraction.
The Knicks desperately need Marbury’s roster spot to sign a guard because they traded Jamal Crawford and Mardy Collins, Cuttino Mobley is out indefinitely, Nate Robinson is out with a groin strain and Chris Duhon is struggling with back spasms.
The only logical explanation is that Walsh is awaiting buyout approval this week from owner James Dolan and an answer on Mobley’s status. If Mobley, undergoing tests, is deemed unfit to play because of a heart condition, the Knicks will have to make a move for a guard and also will save money on Mobley’s contract if he seeks a medical retirement.
Marbury was hopeful yesterday’s meeting would end his turbulent Knicks stint so he can become a free agent and sign elsewhere.
Biagas has reached out to a number of teams already to gauge interest. Miami, Dallas and San Antonio all have expressed interest, The Post has learned.
When reached by The Post last night and asked what happened yesterday, Marbury said disappointedly: “Nothing, that’s what happened.”
Marbury arrived at the Knicks’ Westchester facility at 2:25 p.m. in a black Rolls Royce, 25 minutes late, while Biagas was huddling with Walsh. Marbury left the building after less than 20 minutes and did not answer questions from reporters stationed in the lobby as he departed. Biagas emerged 20 minutes after Marbury left.
“Not resolved,” Biagas said. “I’m not commenting. We need to try to keep this in-house. I’ll keep you posted if things happen. We had a conversation.
“Obviously we’ll talk [more], but no comment at this time.”
The $400,000 worth of fines Marbury has pending for allegedly refusing to play in Detroit on Wednesday is also at issue. Marbury plans to appeal, and will not budge.
Marbury has made it clear in a series of interviews with The Post he no longer wants to be a Knick or play for D’Antoni.
Walsh, Marbury and even Players Association president Billy Hunter Jr. all said they hoped the meeting would bring a resolution to a sad saga. The Knicks have their best record after November since 2004-05 at 8-8 and host Portland tonight.
Players seemed agitated walking off the practice court yesterday when they were besieged with questions about Marbury’s latest blast. He told The Post, in part, “They left me out for dead. It’s like we’re in a foxhole and I’m facing the other way . . . I got shot in the head by my own guys in my foxhole. And they didn’t even give me an honorable death.”
On Wednesday in Detroit, D’Antoni made a 180-degree turn. After ostracizing Marbury the entire regular season, The Post reported he offered Marbury the starting shooting guard job for the rest of the season. Marbury declined, believing D’Antoni’s offer was insincere and coming from upper management.
Additional reporting
by Mark Hale