Tarkanian Denies Possible Clippers Job

UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian says a report that he plans to meet with Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling about his team’s vacant coaching job a “makes me sick.”

Tarkanian denied a story in the Los Angeles Times that he had discussed the job with Sterling and would fly to Los Angeles on Thursday to discuss it further.

The Runnin’ Rebel coach said he had spoken with Sterling about other coaches but not about taking the job himself.

“I’ve talked to them on occasion,” Tarkanian said. Sterling “asked me questions about coaches but not at all about taking the job. That makes me sick. That’s all I’m saying.”

The Times quoted a source close to the talks as saying that the making of a deal is a long shot and that Tarkanian would settle for no less than an annual salary of $750,000 and other benefits. (Story, C5.)

Tarkanian coached the Runnin’ Rebels to their first NCAA championship last month, but his program has been under investigation by the NCAA for alleged rules violations.

Danny Tarkanian, the coach’s son and attorney, said the only contact he knew the Clippers had with his father was a telegram after UNLV won the national title last month.

“If he has talked to the Clippers owner, he hasn’t mentioned it,” Danny Tarkanian said. “If he had any serious discussions, I would know.”

Clippers spokesman Bill Kriefeldt told The Times that no meetings are scheduled between team officials and Tarkanian.

The Clippers announced April 22, the day the NBA regular season ended, that they weren’t going to pick up the option on Don Casey’s contract. The Clippers had a 30-52 record this season.