Playoffs 2000:Carlisle's trip of Sprewell called deliberate

Carlisle's trip of Sprewell called deliberate
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Indiana Pacers assistant coach Rick Carlisle was fined $10,000 for deliberately tripping Latrell Sprewell of the New York Knicks during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

"I'm sorry that it ever happened," Carlisle said Monday. "I'm embarrassed that it happened."

Rod Thorn, the NBA executive in charge of discipline, announced the fine Monday, one day after the Knicks learned Sprewell had fractured a bone in his left foot in a separate play later in the game.

Carlisle tripped Sprewell during the third quarter. He said he gestured to Sprewell during the game, attempting to apologize. He added that he spoke with Sprewell after the game, clearing things up.

"Ten thousand is a lot," Carlisle said. "But players are valuable. They are what the league is all about, so I understand it."

The trip occurred with 4:54 left in the third quarter of the Knicks' 98-95 victory at Madison Square Garden. Sprewell scored 32 points as New York cut Indiana's lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Sprewell said he injured his foot while diving for a loose ball with 30 seconds left to play. The injury was first diagnosed as a bruise, then termed an "incomplete fracture" following an MRI.