Cleamons May Face Ouster

Amid reports that his firing is imminent, Dallas Maverick Coach Jim Cleamons said he felt management still supports him.

General Manager Don Nelson would reportedly add coaching duties. Nelson could not be reached for comment.

Cleamons, in the second year of a four-year, $5 million contract, admits he expected a better start than 4-12, but he still believes that if everyone is patient, things can eventually turn around. He is 28-70 overall.

“It’s about evolution,” Cleamons said in Dallas. “I feel as if we are on a 1,000-mile journey and every 10 minutes someone wants to know if we’re there yet.”

*

Phoenix Sun guard Kevin Johnson is expected to be sidelined for at least one week because of tendinitis in his right knee.

Team physician Dr. Richard Emerson treated and evaluated Johnson and determined that Johnson will ‘continue to be treated daily for loose cartilage in his right knee.”

*

Milwaukee Buck forward Glenn Robinson was cited for disorderly conduct in Milwaukee after a weekend incident in which police ticketed vehicles for illegal parking outside a downtown nightclub.

Milwaukee station WTMJ-TV reported that Robinson received citations for disorderly conduct and obstructing the issuance of a citation for using abusive language and refusing to identify himself. They carry a total fine of $222.20.

*

Chicago Bull forward Dennis Rodman, who knows something about distractions, says Scottie Pippen’s trade demand isn’t one.

“It can’t be,” Rodman said. “We’re grown men playing a game and we’re getting paid lots of money. We have to be able to put the distraction aside and go out and work.

“If Scottie doesn’t come back, that’s his choice. You have to live with your own choices,” Rodman said. “For me, my choices paid off. Some people might not like the choices I’ve made, but they’ve definitely paid off. It’s a different situation with Scottie.”