Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 12, 1994 TAG: 9405120030
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: AUBURN HILLS, MICH. LENGTH: Short
Thomas, 33, who led the Detroit Pistons to two championships in his 13 years in the league, made the announcement at a news conference packed with old teammates, friends and family.
"This is a special day," said Thomas, fingering a large NBA championship ring on his left hand. "The hardest thing for an athlete to do is to know when to quit. When do you let go of the thing that has shaped your entire life?
"This basketball, it's so powerful. It's your whole life."
It had been reported that Thomas would hold off announcing his retirement until after July 1 to help the team's salary-cap situation. But he and Bill Davidson, the Pistons' managing partner, said that was wrong.
The team would be limited to half of Thomas' $2.52 million salary in either case, they said, because he is retiring. Only if Thomas were leaving to play for another team could the Pistons use his entire salary slot to sign other players.
Thomas turned pro following his sophomore season at Indiana University, after leading the Hoosiers to the NCAA championship. He led the Pistons to NBA titles in 1989 and 1990 and scored more than 18,000 points in a 13-year pro career.
by CNB