Players’ Union Files Contract Grievance

A guaranteed contract is guaranteed, lockout or no lockout. So contends the NBA Players Assn.

Shortly before NBA owners imposed a lockout Tuesday night, the players’ association filed a grievance on behalf of players with guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season. The union contends the league would be in breach of contract if it failed to make scheduled payments during the lockout.

The NBA maintains it is under no obligation to pay the salaries.

Eleven players were named in the grievance filed with arbitrator John Feerick, but a source close to the proceedings said the action was taken on behalf of the more than 200 players who would be affected by a lockout.

Feerick, dean of Fordham Law School, also presided over the Latrell Sprewell hearing in March.

The list includes Kenny Anderson of Boston, who is scheduled to receive his entire $5.8 million salary for next season this month.

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Coach Jerry Sloan signed a new three-year contract with the Utah Jazz.

Sloan’s contract runs through the 2000-2001 season. Sloan had one year remaining on his previous deal, but Jazz General Manager Tim Howells said the deal signed last week was completely new.

Terms of the deal were not released.

Sloan’s salary of $1.25 million last year made him the 23rd highest-paid coach in the league.

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The Chicago Bulls have asked the Phoenix Suns for permission to talk with assistant Scott Skiles, 34, about replacing Phil Jackson as coach, according to the Arizona Republic newspaper.

Keith Glass, Skiles’ agent, said the Clippers and Denver Nuggets have inquired about hiring Skiles.

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The Seattle SuperSonics, though they have a new head coach, are keeping assistant coaches Dwane Casey and Bob Weiss.

Seattle last month hired Paul Westphal as coach to replace George Karl.