I am obviously a out of towner so the news is coming in slowly, but supposedly right after Jackson was released from jail his lawyer received a phone call from Larry Bird and Bird informed him Jackson would be asked to "refrain from practicing with the team". Jackson was visibly upset and even [supposedly] yelled at his lawyer asking "Why cant I practice. I am fine, I am healthy enough to practice" or something of this nature.
Here is a note from a insider with the Pacers, may explain what happened today a little better
I found out today that Larry Bird told Steven Jackson over the summer that he was on a zero tolerance policy. Bird made it very clear that if Jackson didn't get his head on straight, then he would be out of here. In light of the recent events....
Larry Bird issued a meeting today between TPTB and the advisers. During the over 2 hour meeting, they weighed all their options. Things the Pacers will be looking for at first are any possible trades of SJax, then if their hands are tied there, they will look to initiate some sort of buyout.
However they will have to let the legal process take its place, because IF Jackson IS convicted of a felony, then his contract can be voided by the team. To my understanding, the team is not responsible for paying the remaining contract nor does the salary count against the cap. Committing a felony is a violation of the player's contract and is subject to be terminated.
The decision to hold Jackson out of practice was made by all the advisers and Top Brass, it was not just Larry Bird's call. (Although he did have the most say in it.) Whether Jackson will be held out of more practices/games is up to Bird. At this time however, Jackson's immediate return is considered "unlikely."
After the events that took place today, I strongly believe that Jackson will be gone and may even have to sit out similar to Artest's situation.
Obviously the last line in just speculation, but this person dont have a connection, although the scary thing is his person only works the numbers on trade scenarios. I never thought I would see this happen, but I think Jackson may have negative trade value, so I think the Pacers are screwed either way.
Here is a note from a insider with the Pacers, may explain what happened today a little better
I found out today that Larry Bird told Steven Jackson over the summer that he was on a zero tolerance policy. Bird made it very clear that if Jackson didn't get his head on straight, then he would be out of here. In light of the recent events....
Larry Bird issued a meeting today between TPTB and the advisers. During the over 2 hour meeting, they weighed all their options. Things the Pacers will be looking for at first are any possible trades of SJax, then if their hands are tied there, they will look to initiate some sort of buyout.
However they will have to let the legal process take its place, because IF Jackson IS convicted of a felony, then his contract can be voided by the team. To my understanding, the team is not responsible for paying the remaining contract nor does the salary count against the cap. Committing a felony is a violation of the player's contract and is subject to be terminated.
The decision to hold Jackson out of practice was made by all the advisers and Top Brass, it was not just Larry Bird's call. (Although he did have the most say in it.) Whether Jackson will be held out of more practices/games is up to Bird. At this time however, Jackson's immediate return is considered "unlikely."
After the events that took place today, I strongly believe that Jackson will be gone and may even have to sit out similar to Artest's situation.
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