Former Ohio State guard Jim Jackson says he will not play for the team that drafted him in the first round last summer. And that team had to learn about Jackson's decision second hand.
The Dallas Mavericks made Jackson the fourth player drafted this year, but there have been virtually no negotiations between them. Without the player they hoped would be the cornerstone of their rebuilding process, the Mavericks took a 1-14 record into Saturday night's meeting with San Antonio.Jackson, rather than tell Mavericks officials of his decision, sent a fax to two Dallas Morning News reporters late Friday. They, in turn, delivered it to the team.
"I now felt it was necessary to publicly stop all speculation that I might at some time be willing to sign with Dallas," Jackson said in the three-paragraph statement. "I will not, under any circumstances, or at any time, play basketball for the Dallas Mavericks.
"I have no bad feelings toward Mr. Carter (franchise owner Don Carter) or toward the fans of Dallas. I know now that a career for me in Dallas was not meant to be."
If Jackson lives up to his threat and he is not traded by Dallas by next June 30, he will be eligible for the 1993 draft and the Mavericks will receive no compensation.
The only offer Jackson's agent has made has been for six years and $21 million. The Mavericks have said they were willing to pay $10.8 million over four years.
"I still want him to sign," said Dallas general manager Norm Sonju. "I don't care what he said. I know Jim is sincere. I know he's frustrated."