Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 27, 1994 TAG: 9403270133
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That disgusted sigh you'll hear is from Lakers' General Manager Jerry West, who was rolling his eyes during Johnson's return-to-game news conference last week when Johnson again broached the notion of playing.
"I'll probably be down [on the sidelines] and want to tear off my suit," said Johnson. "I know if it gets tight with a minute to go, I'll say, `Man, go get that No. 32 jersey.' That will never leave. I love basketball and winning and it's hard for me to say I won't be tempted. Of course, I will."
West, clearly, wasn't in favor of Johnson's return, and in the last two weeks had been telling intimates he was being pressured by owner Jerry Buss to fire Randy Pfund. He was trying to keep Pfund for the remainder of the season.
When asked about Johnson's comments about playing, West shot back: "His playing days are over. It's almost gotten to the point of it being annoying to keep hearing about it."
As for Pfund, the lack of support from management never gave him a chance to discipline a team that badly needed it.
"Everyone liked him," said rookie George Lynch, a former Patrick Henry standout. "But there was doubt about some of the things he was saying as coach. There would be practice and when Randy was talking some of the guys wouldn't give him their attention. It's kind of tough when you're looking around and guys aren't listening."
Pfund, to his credit, never lost his composure or sense of humor.
Last week, Lakers' legendary radio voice Chick Hearn answered a call from "R.C. from Inglewood." The question? "What's your opinion of Randy Pfund?"
It turned out it was Pfund calling from his office in the Forum.
"He never takes my call," Pfund said. "I've been trying to get through for years."
Don't be surprised if Pfund hooks up with his mentor, Pat Riley, in New York next season.
\ TROUBLE IN PHOENIX: It's hard times for the injured and coasting-to-the-playoffs Charles Barkley, who finished with 16 points in an overtime victory over Miami. He was benched to open the second half for the first time since he has been in Phoenix.
Said usually hands off coach Paul Westphal: "I was waiting to see some spark from him and beginning to wonder if I'd see it."
Responded Barkley: "He didn't think I was playing hard and I didn't agree with that. I might not have played well. But I play hard. I don't think I deserved to be benched. He's the coach. He does his thing. I do mine."
by CNB