Pro Basketball

Hakeem Olajuwon and owner Charlie Thomas of the Houston Rockets shook hands, then traded verbal blows with Olajuwon calling Thomas a coward and Thomas saying he wasn’t trying to build a personal relationship with his unhappy center.

The feud has been simmering since March when Olajuwon demanded an apology and a trade after he was suspended by General Manager Steve Patterson for refusing to dress after being given doctor’s clearance to play. Olajuwon said he had a hamstring injury.

“I don’t expect any apology because you are not dealing with classy people here,” Olajuwon said. “Charlie has been a coward standing behind the organization. So Steve Patterson is not even worth talking about.”

Olajuwon said he would report for workouts today and play the best he could despite his unhappiness with the organization.