Anger about All-Star snubs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- As usual, a number of players and their coaches are very upset about not being chosen for the NBA All-Star Game.
Among the players not chosen in fan voting or added to the respective rosters as reserves were Karl Malone of Utah, Jerry Stackhouse of Washington, Chicago's Jalen Rose, Antawn Jamison of Golden State, and Ricky Davis of Cleveland. All are among the league's top scorers.
Malone, who was not chosen for the first time since 1990, took the news in stride.
"I don't think it matters," Malone said. "You don't control it, and there ain't nothing you can do about it."
Rose questioned the qualifications for being chosen.
"Obviously, it's not about who's playing better or most consistent or even the kind of character you have," Rose said. "It's a matter of getting your name picked. But I'll just take it in stride. You're either in the "in crowd" or not in the in crowd, and for some reason, I've found a way not to be in the in crowd. I proved over the last few seasons I'm one of the best players in the league. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed."
Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause was more emphatic.
"That's one of the worst decisions I've seen in a long, long time," Krause said of the Rose snub. "I wonder if the coaches who voted on this are seeing the same games we're seeing. There's a guy from a team with a worse record than ours, but I'm not going to get into individuals because that's not fair. I feel this is a very wrong decision, and he's been wronged as a player and a person."
In Washington, there was eyebrow raising when Michael Jordan was named, but as a reserve, and Stackhouse did not make the East team.
Stackhouse was not surprised.
"I'm used to being on the short end of the stick," he said. "I've probably been the only guy to lead his team in scoring and assists for two years and not get an all-star berth, but that's the way things happen. It's disappointing."
Jordan was humbled despite not starting in what he has said is his last season.
"It's a privilege always to go," Jordan said. "I've been there many times and this definitely is my last time. I wouldn't have minded [not going]. I've done it and I know the experience and I know the fun that you can have. If I was selected, which I said weeks ago, I would go and represent and enjoy myself. It gives my kids a chance to go and see some of the up-and-coming stars."
Hill activated by Cavaliers
CLEVELAND, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday activated veteran forward Tyrone Hill from the injured list.
He should be available Wednesday night when the Cavaliers go for consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Hill, 34, missed the last five games after being placed on the injured list with a right hand contusion on Jan. 17. He is averaging 6.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest in 30 games this season, including 25 starts.
The Cavaliers snapped a six-game losing streak Monday with a 104-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, and will try to improve on their league-worst record (9-36) Wednesday night at Orlando.
Cubit leaves Rutgers
PISCATAWAY, N.J., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Rutgers offensive coordinator Bill Cubit has resigned to pursue other career opportunities.
The announcement was made by Coach Greg Schiano.
Cubit also served as the team's quarterbacks coach, in addition to his duties as offensive coordinator, for the 2001and 2002 seasons.
School officials were very low-key about Cubit's resignation.
"On behalf of Greg Schiano and myself, we wish Bill well in his future endeavors," said Rutgers Athletic Director Bob Mulcahy.
In an awful season, the Scarlet Knight finished last among all Division I-A schools in total offense and set a school record for least rushing yards.
According to the Trentonian, Schiano said Cubit's decision came after a long evaluation process, and that he now is looking at a list of potential replacements.
"I went through an evaluation process and made some decisions," Schiano said during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday. "Bill and I spoke at length about the season and we both decided this was the right thing for everyone involved."
Cubit's son, Ryan, the team's starting quarterback last fall, recently transferred to Western Michigan.
Reports: Dayne wants to be traded
NEW YORK, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Veteran running back Ron Dayne has asked to be traded by the New York Giants.
New York Newsday reported Wednesday that Dayne apparently feels he has no future with the team as a backup to starter Tiki Barber. He voiced a similar sentiment in an interview earlier this week with Giant Insider magazine.
"I'm not going to get a shot here, so just let me go," he told Newsday. "Just trade me and get something for me that they'll want and use. That way I'll be happy and they'll be happy. I hate sitting around watching. I came out of college the best player ever, so obviously I can run. I'm not going to lie. I'm really starting to lose my love for the game. If I can't play, I don't want to be here."
Dayne may think he is a good player, but his career numbers say otherwise. In his three-year NFL career, his numbers have been anemic.
In 2000, he gained 770 yards, then 690 in 2001, and 428 in 2002.
The 5-10, 250-pounder, who won the Heisman Trophy in his senior campaign at Wisconsin, is set to earn $616,000 in 2003, according to the paper.
Meanwhile, the New York Times, which also said Dayne wants to be traded, reported that General Manager Ernie Accorsi said the Giants will not trade Dayne unless it is in the best interest of the team.
Sources say the Giants have not received an offer.
