Olajuwon Sits in Apparent Contract Ploy
Hakeem Olajuwon, given medical clearance earlier in the day, refused to play Saturday night as the Houston Rockets lost to the Sacramento Kings, 100-97.
Olajuwon, who has an injured hamstring, was listed in the halftime summary as “refused to suit up.” Rocket General Manager Steve Patterson said Olajuwon issued a demand Monday that his contract be renegotiated or that he be traded to a team that would honor his demands for a $15-million salary in the 1994-1995 season.
Olajuwon injured a hamstring Tuesday and did not play in Thursday’s loss to Seattle. Doctors said he could suit up Saturday night, but didn’t dress.
“I’m not accusing him of faking an injury, I’m just reporting the facts,” Patterson said. “They say there is no reason for Hakeem not to be playing.”
Olajuwon left without speaking with reporters.
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