Surgery Keeps Walton Sidelined

Free-agent center Bill Walton will be sidelined for a second consecutive season after undergoing another foot operation, the Boston Celtics said Wednesday.

According to reports in the Boston Globe and Boston Herald, surgery was performed on Walton’s right foot Tuesday in Whittier by Dr. F. William Wagner. It was the second such operation in 15 months, and Walton reportedly had it without consulting the Celtics.

Although he was unable to play all last season, Walton, 35, was paid his full salary of $425,000 by the Celtics, who were under no obligation to pay him.

“He just said a problem had manifested itself,” Celtic General Manager Jan Volk said. “He’s not our player. He’s not under obligation to confer with us.”