[bigboydan]

This guy deserves every bit of that fine he had levied against him. You can't sit their and pull that type of stuff to your coach like that.

Marbury fined $195K for skipping game; he'll appeal

NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks fined Stephon Marbury approximately $195,000 for skipping Tuesday night's game at Phoenix.

The Knicks sent the guard a letter informing him of the fine, according to a person with knowledge of the penalty who spoke to The Associated Press. He requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss it.

Marbury lost approximately $195,000 -- at least $174,503 (1/110th of his salary) and $20,000 in a team fine, sources told ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan. According to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, players are docked 1/110th of their salaries for a missed game.

A source told ESPN.com that Marbury is planning to file a grievance over the lost wages.

The Knicks have confirmed that Marbury will be at the Staples Center for tonight's game with the Clippers, but Knicks Vice President of Communications Jonathan Supranowitz told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand that it will be a "coach's decison" if he plays.

Marbury told the New York Post on Tuesday he had permission from coach Isiah Thomas to leave the team, but Thomas would not confirm that. He did say Marbury would be welcome.

The New York Daily News reported on Wednesday the trouble started during the team's flight to Phoenix, when Marbury learned from teammate Eddy Curry that Thomas planned to use him as a backup and start second-year guard Mardy Collins. A person close to the situation told the Daily News that Marbury reportedly marched to the front of the plane to confront Thomas over the situation, then returned five minutes later and claimed he had leverage on Thomas.

"Isiah has to start me," Marbury reportedly said, according to the Daily News. "I've got so much [stuff] on Isiah and he knows it. He thinks he can [get] me. But I'll [get] him first. You have no idea what I know."

Several of Marbury's teammates said his departure took them by surprise, but they expressed no hard feelings.

"You always support your teammates," forward Jared Jeffries said Tuesday night. "A lot of people on the outside don't understand what guys go through with their family, their friends, with this team, with anything. Whenever somebody goes through a tough time you support your teammate."

Marbury played poorly down the stretch in New York's 75-72 loss to Miami on Sunday, and the Daily News reported Tuesday the Knicks were trying to reduce Marbury's role or get rid of him entirely.

That created tensions between Marbury and Thomas -- neighbors in Westchester County who share the same agent. The two reportedly even fought on the plane to Phoenix, which the Knicks denied.

"There is no truth to that whatsoever," said Supranowitz, who was on the flight.

Marbury is still one of the Knicks' best players, averaging 15.2 points and 6.8 assists. But he and Thomas clashed early last season after Thomas benched him in the second halves of two games, and Marbury caused the Knicks some more headaches this summer.

He behaved erratically during a televised interview, then testified in a sexual harassment trial against Thomas and Madison Square Garden that he had a sexual encounter in his truck with a team intern, smiling and singing on his way out of the courthouse.

Marbury also was forced to apologize after defending Michael Vick's participation in dogfighting.Marbury also was forced to apologize after defending Michael Vick's participation in dogfighting.

Marbury is under contract with the Knicks through next season, scheduled to earn about $42 million. That makes him difficult to trade, especially since he has created problems off the court and never won a playoff series on it.

The Knicks did get some good news on personnel on Wednesday. According to 1050 ESPN New York, Zach Randolph will play on Wednesday after missing Sunday's and Tuesday's games on bereavement leave. After the game he will return to Indiana for the funeral of his grandmother on Friday.

Quentin Richardson, who has a hyperexteneded elbow and missed Tuesday night's game, is probable. Collins, who has a sprained right foot, is questionable, while Renaldo Balkman is doubtful with a sprained right ankle.

[Illusion]

I see he finally wised up and rejoined the team tonight. What the hell was he thinking anyway?

[sharktank1]

I agree.
Just watched bits/pieces on CNN.
You don't mess with Mr. Thomas (after) what he just went through.

[Tchocky]

Starbury should try to get Isiah to pay this considering all the dirt he has on him.