Mavericks’ Motta Resigns After Criticism From Fans

Dick Motta, criticized for considering jobs with the New York Knicks and the Clippers, resigned Wednesday as coach of the Dallas Mavericks. He did not say if he will go to another National Basketball Assn. team.

The announcement came at a news conference in which Motta was expected to say whether he would take a job with the Knicks or stay in Dallas for an eighth season.

“I cannot apologize for any of my actions or quotes,” he said. “There never will be a job or position important enough in my lifetime to compromise my values or give up any part of my integrity. So, therefore, I am retiring as coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

“Friendship means never having to say you’re sorry. I have that kind of relationship to Mr. Carter,” Motta said, referring to Mavericks’ owner Donald Carter.

After reading his brief statement, Motta left the room.

Motta, the only coach the Mavericks have had since entering the NBA in 1980, was criticized by Dallas fans in recent weeks because he talked to the Clippers and the Knicks about possible employment.

“New York called the Dallas organization and asked them for permission to talk to their coach,” Motta said. “And they received that permission. They conducted themselves in a very professional manner. I was very ethical and also very professional. Totally. And, if the same circumstances ever rose again, I would do exactly the same thing.”

Carter said he did not try to talk Motta out of the decision.

Motta has an 808-750 record in 19 seasons in the NBA with Chicago, Washington and Dallas. He was named NBA Coach of the Year with the Bulls in 1970-71 and won the NBA title with Washington in 1977-78.

Carter said Motta informed him of his decision just minutes before the announcement, and said he does not know what the team’s next move will be.

“I think that in life we have some choices, and that was his choice. Maybe he felt it was time,” Carter said.

General Manager Norm Sonju and player personnel director Rick Sund were not informed of the decision before the news conference, Carter said.

Carter said he was to meet Wednesday night with Sund, Motta and Sonju to discuss college players available for the 1987 draft. Carter said it will be difficult but that they will proceed without Motta.

“I really don’t think we’ll be talking about another coach tonight,” Carter said. He declined to comment on what sort of financial compensation, if any, Motta would receive from the team.

“This club, Don Carter, this organization, has a debt to Dick Motta,” he said. “He is part of this organization, and we pay our debts.”

Carter said earlier that he was convinced Motta would not defect to New York.

He gave Motta until Friday to decide where he wanted to coach. But Motta told Carter Monday he would make his decision before a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

Motta has spoken to officials of the Clippers and the Knicks about coaching vacancies. The talks touched off controversy because the Mavericks just completed their most successful season, winning 55 games and the Midwest Division title. But the Seattle SuperSonics eliminated the heavily favored Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

After Dallas was eliminated, Motta was quoted in New York newspapers as saying he wasn’t sure he could win a championship in Dallas.

The Clippers, who finished with the NBA’s worst record this season, are seeking a replacement for Don Chaney, who was fired after the season.