Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 12, 1990 TAG: 9006120210
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: The New York Times
DATELINE: INGLEWOOD, CALIF. LENGTH: Medium
Riley denied he had been forced out or that he had quit because of a fractured relationship with his players.
"This is something I've decided I have to do, something I want to do," Riley said at a news conference in the Forum as the Brooklyn-born, 36-year-old Dunleavy sat nearby.
Officials at NBC, which takes over NBA coverage next season, have talked with Riley his becoming a television analyst for the network.
Riley, however, said, "I have nothing secured, no immediate plan to pursue."
Riley said that 10 days ago, he and Dr. Jerry Buss, the Lakers owner, had "concluded in a mutual decision that I would step aside" and that they soon would "re-define my future relationship with the Lakers."
Buss praised Riley as a man who had "totally and thoroughly reached down for the last drop of energy" to help the team achieve dominance in the 1980s.
He would not comment on the status of the two years remaining on Riley's contract.
The owner, sources said last week, became upset this spring when a $1 million-a-year contract extension was offered during an informal dinner meeting with Riley and "was left on the table" by Riley.
Riley, 45, had coached the Lakers since the dismissal of Paul Westhead in November 1981.
The Lakers won four of their five championships of the 1980s under Riley. This season he was selected the NBA coach of the year - the first time he had ever received the honor - but the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns in five games in the Western Conference semifinals.
"Deep down inside, there are a lot of things I want to pursue in my life," Riley said Monday, glancing at his wife, Chris. "We are a young family."
For months, he added, he had been "taking inventory of what's important in life."
Adoptive parents of two children, both still of pre-school age, the Rileys have expressed interest in Amnesty International and causes involving drug-abuse prevention and help for the homeless.
by CNB