You remember him, the point guard who came on the scene with so much potential and promise, to a franchise who needed a floor general in the worst way. At the time, it seemed like a great match, one that would give a young player a chance to distinguish himself quickly and fill the void at point guard as well. Tinsley started out great, averaging 7.5 assists a game in his first two seasons, and seemed like he indeed was a player with a bright future. Then a plethora of injuries, combined with several off court incidents that led to legal proceedings, started the downward spiral of a promising player.
While other Pacer players had similar legal problems and were subsequently traded, Tinsley remained on the roster and now can claim the dubious distinction of being the last player on the roster connected to the infamous brawl in Detroit in 2004, where numerous Pacers were involved. The situation would only get worse for the talented, but enigmatic player. He was involved in two more high profile off the court incidents after that, prompting the club to cast him in to exile last summer and forbid him from being in training camp and on the bench in the regular season. All the while paying his full salary.
Tinsley, who was last reported to be living and training in Atlanta, is currently drawing 6.75 million from the Pacers and is still owed an additional 14.7 million over the next two seasons. A history of injuries, combined with his legal problems, make the price tag to acquire him too steep for many of the teams in the NBA who might have interest in his services. Through his agent Raymond Brothers (who was unavailable for comment) and the National Basketball Players Association, a grievance on Tinsley’s behalf has now been filed in hopes of receiving an arbitration process that will somehow force the Pacers to release him, and give Tinsley the opportunity to play elsewhere.
While players have their contracts bought out routinely in the NBA, such a ruling against the Pacers is unlikely considering they are currently honoring their contractual agreement with Tinsley in terms of his salary and benefits.
But the bigger issue here is whether or not a team has the legal right to put a player on a shelf, pay him, and allow his limited opportunity to play professionally expire.
While many of Tinsley’s problems have been self-induced, there seems like there should be some way of compromising and facilitating his departure, thereby freeing up salary cap space in terms of the Pacer payroll, and allowing the player to seek employment elsewhere. This would also close a rather dark chapter in franchise’s history, something that seems to be most overdue.
Pacer President Larry Bird has repeatedly stated Tinsley will not be bought-out and they have vigorously attempted to trade him, but have come up short in terms of what they feel is a good return on the deal. With a pending grievance hearing looming and the trading deadline passing, this situation can only get worse before it gets better. If not forced to release him through arbitration, the Pacers must now begin the process of attempting to trade Tinsley in the off season, and probably will not find many suitors for his services willing to trade with them without the Pacers taking some other player in return that they are not interested in. While the financial implications of a contract buyout is daunting to a franchise that continues to lose money, this situation continues to cast a dark cloud over a franchise that is doing everything they can to reconnect with their fan base and solidify their standing as good corporate citizens in the community as well. The Pacers would be well served to sever their ties with this young man, allowing him to finish his career elsewhere, and eliminating the stigma that is attached to the situation as well. One thing is for certain, this situation may indeed get worse before it gets better, and from a Pacer perspective, that is the last thing they need in terms of this ongoing saga.
Notes: Mike Dunleavy is officially out for the rest of the season with a bone spur on his patella tendon. Surgery appears to be imminent. I spoke with former Lawrence North standout Mike Conley during a visit by the Memphis Grizzlies to Conseco Fieldhouse. In between bites of his sub sandwich (a pre game ritual) he noted that losing a number of games this year has taken a toll on him, as he was used to winning most of the time in high school and college. The Pacers who are 5-3 since the All Star break, entertain the Utah Jazz on March 10. The Portland Trailblazers and Conley’s former Lawrence North and Ohio State teammate Greg Oden, visit the Pacers on March 18.
Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office. Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
