Marques Johnson Agrees to Undergo Prompt Surgery

Injured Clipper forward Marques Johnson, who is involved in a contract dispute with the team, has agreed to have neck surgery as early as next week.

Johnson announced his decision following a 45-minute meeting with team president Allen Rothenberg on Wednesday.

Johnson said he plans to have the operation to fuse to vertebrae as early as next week.

The Clippers stopped paying Johnson’s $1.3 million salary last month, claiming that he was permanently disabled. A clause in Johnson’s contract allows the team to spread one year’s salary over two years in the case of permanent disability.

Johnson’s attorney filed a grievance with the NBA Players Assn. about the contract dispute.

However, Johnson said after meeting with Rothenberg that he will attempt to work out a settlement with the Clippers after the surgery. It will go to arbitration if they can’t work out a deal.

Johnson has been out since last Nov. 20, when he suffered a disk injury after a collision with teammate Benoit Benjamin in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Dr. Tony Daly, the Clipper team physician, had recommended that Johnson undergo fusion surgery.

However, Johnson delayed the surgery because he been seeking other medical opinions. He has also been seeing a chiropractor to strengthen the neck muscles.

Dr. Brend Friedlander, Johnson’s chiropractor, said: “Marques didn’t really want to have it (the surgery) done. It’s a shame that this type of pressure is put on an athlete.”

Rothenberg issued a statement after the meeting which read:

“Marques Johnson and I had a good meeting this morning, following which he met with Dr. Tony Daly to arrange to have the necessary surgery, probably as early as next week.

“His lawyer presently is engaged in a trial. When that is over with, Marques and his lawyer and the Clippers will meet to see if an amicable resolution of any contract issues can be reached.

“That meeting may not take place until after the surgery has been completed.”

Said Johnson: “I just went there to clear some things up with Allen on a personal note. I explained to him why I was taking the course of action I was taking. I wanted to fill him in on some things. It went fine. Allen and I get along. He used to be my lawyer.