http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/basketball/nba/02/23/bc.bkp.lgns.pistonsfined.r/?cnn=yes
Paperwork mishap costs Pistons $200,000
NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The NBA announced on Monday that the Detroit Pistons have been fined $200,000 for playing two ineligible players -- Rasheed Wallace and Mike James -- during last Friday's 88-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Detroit acquired Wallace and James in a three-way trade with Boston and Atlanta on Thursday. In accordance with league rules, each team was informed that none of the traded players could play with their new teams until all conditions of the deal had been met, including the signing of certification by teams, players and agents involved in the transaction.
The Pistons violated this rule by playing Wallace and James in the first half of the game against the Timberwolves even though the required certifications were not yet signed.
Wallace played 12 minutes in the first half and James five before Detroit coach Larry Brown was notified by the NBA that the proper paperwork had not been received and both players were ineligible for the second half.
Wallace and James played the whole way in Detroit's 87-86 loss to Orlando on Sunday. Wallace had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but threw up at airball from the right corner.
Paperwork mishap costs Pistons $200,000
NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The NBA announced on Monday that the Detroit Pistons have been fined $200,000 for playing two ineligible players -- Rasheed Wallace and Mike James -- during last Friday's 88-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Detroit acquired Wallace and James in a three-way trade with Boston and Atlanta on Thursday. In accordance with league rules, each team was informed that none of the traded players could play with their new teams until all conditions of the deal had been met, including the signing of certification by teams, players and agents involved in the transaction.
The Pistons violated this rule by playing Wallace and James in the first half of the game against the Timberwolves even though the required certifications were not yet signed.
Wallace played 12 minutes in the first half and James five before Detroit coach Larry Brown was notified by the NBA that the proper paperwork had not been received and both players were ineligible for the second half.
Wallace and James played the whole way in Detroit's 87-86 loss to Orlando on Sunday. Wallace had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but threw up at airball from the right corner.
