Webber

Chris Webber called the University of Michigan's self-imposed punishments "hurtful," but he can't quibble with the school's timing. By announcing its attempt to basically forfeit the 1990s on Thursday -- the day after Webber got full-court pressed by the New York media before and following Sacramento's loss to the Knicks -- Webber was spared a full-scale inquisition at his locker to rival anything the courts have planned for him. On Wednesday, before anyone had heard about his alma mater's plan to yank down banners and invalidate victories, Webber got a few questions about his legal troubles but responded by saying he's not at liberty to discuss the matter. Beyond describing himself "at peace" and insisting that he's "very confident" of vindication when his case goes to trial, Webber saved his most newsworthy disclosure for the subject of the Summer Olympics in 2004. Webber, as with Kobe Bryant recently, said he hopes to represent his country after the Americans' humbling sixth-place finish at the World Championships in Indianapolis. But, as with Bryant, it's unclear whether Webber will make himself available next summer when the United States must qualify for the Olympics in a tournament at a location to be determined this month. In theory, USA Basketball wants players and coaches who will be ready to serve the next two summers. Click for more on East's early dominance, Hornets' new nest and Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd