Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 24, 1990 TAG: 9004240045
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ATLANTA LENGTH: Medium
"It was time. You get that feeling that it's right. Call it instinct, a hunch, a gut feeling. But after talking it out, the feeling was mutual," Fratello said at a news conference with Hawks president Stan Kasten and general manager Pete Babcock.
"Looking at the situation, and to be honest to myself, I feel comfortable in saying that for the best interests of the Atlanta Hawks and in my best interests, it's probably best for both of us if we part ways at this time."
"It's time for a new song and dance and take my routine elsewhere."
Fratello, in the last year of a four-year contract, came under fire during a season in which the Hawks were plagued by injuries and internal squabbles. Atlanta did win six of its last seven games to finish 41-41, but failed to make the playoffs for only the second time in Fratello's seven seasons.
Fratello had a record of 324-250 and was second only to Richie Guerin (327) in victories by a Hawks coach.
There had been speculation that Fratello would be fired, but Kasten said the departure was Fratello's decision.
"Mike came to the realization that this would be good for him," Kasten said. "I support that decision; I agree with him."
Kasten said no decision had been made regarding a successor.
One possible candidate mentioned was Fred Carter, an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Fratello, meanwhile, figures to be a candidate for other NBA jobs.
"He remains in the top five coaches in the league," Kasten said. "Before the week is out, he'll be getting job offers. He'll be the first guy contacted."
One job opened Sunday, when the Los Angeles Clippers fired Don Casey.
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB