Knicks tell Marbury to stay away from team

NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The New York Knicks, locked in a dispute with guard Stephon Marbury over playing time, have told him to stay away from the team while a buyout is negotiated.

Marbury is being paid $21.7 million this season, the final year of his contract. He was suspended for one game, without pay, for refusing to play in last Wednesday's game against Detroit.

Marbury and NBA Players' Association representative Hal Biaga met Monday with Knicks President Donnie Walsh, trying to resolve the situation with a possible contract buyout.

"After meeting with Stephon and his representative this afternoon, we have directed Stephon not to participate in practice or attend games until further notice," Walsh said in a statement. "We want to continue to meet with him to discuss a long-term resolution."

Marbury has not played this season. New Knicks Coach Mike D'Antoni apparently planned to use the Brooklyn native in a very limited role this year.