A dispute between Jerry Reynolds, coach of...
A dispute between Jerry Reynolds, coach of the Sacramento Kings, and guard Derek Smith could come to a head today with the end of Smith’s six-day suspension.
According to the Sacramento Bee, negotiations to buy out Smith’s contract have deadlocked, with Reynolds threatening to quit if Smith rejoins the team. Smith says he will report to practice unless he’s waived.
Smith’s agent, Ron Grinker, said the 27-year-old guard, acquired by the Kings in a 1986 trade with the Clippers, intends to file a defamation suit against the Kings if the club refuses either to allow him back or waive him.
Gregg Lukenbill, the Kings’ managing general partner, said the team will stand behind Reynolds and end its three-year association with Smith, who has been on reserve status since December.
Reynolds suspended Smith Jan. 30 after a disagreement during a team meeting.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
