Ferry’s Father Says Italian Team Made an Offer That His Son Couldn’t Refuse

Danny Ferry’s father said that there was nothing more to the Duke All-American’s signing to play for Messaggero Rome in the Italian League, rather than for the Clippers, than taking advantage of a good deal.

“There is absolutely no underlying situation at all,” Bob Ferry was quoted as saying in the Washington Post Thursday. Bob Ferry, besides being Danny’s father, is general manager of the Washington Bullets.

“I know people will read a lot into it, but it has nothing to do with the Clippers,” Bob Ferry said. “After the draft, this team in Rome came in with a wonderful offer. This is the thing Danny wanted to do. He’s fully committed to go.”

Danny Ferry’s contract, believed to be worth more than $1 million for the 1989-90 season, allows him to make an annual decision on whether to stay in Italy or go to the National Basketball Assn.

“He will make a decision one year at a time,” Bob Ferry said. “He’s got that choice.

“A lot of people don’t really understand the situation. He now has an opportunity to go over, learn a new language and broaden himself as a person. It’s a good chance to learn about a different culture and go back to school if he wants.”

The Clippers retain Danny Ferry’s rights for one year after he returns from Italy. If they fail to sign him by the end of that year, Ferry again would be put in the draft pool. If not drafted, he would become a free agent. If drafted, and he still wanted to be a free agent, Ferry would have to sit out a second season.