January 11, 2004
The agreement that Vin Baker and the Celtics reached in February 2003 does not by itself give the Celtics the power to terminate his contract. According to someone who has seen the document, there is no such language in the agreement. But here's what it does do: It sets up a very specific aftercare program with testing and consequences.
And if Baker does not stay in compliance, there is a mechanism in place (after his suspension reaches 10 games) whereby the Celtics could terminate the contract by going to the Uniform Player Contract. As such, Baker's deal could be terminated not because of his alcohol problems, or his failure to comply, but because he would be deemed unfit to play and thus in breach of the contract. The Celtics would have by then a baseline of evidence to use - including the documentation of the independent doctor overseeing the aftercare - when the Players Association takes the matter to arbitration.
The union is closely monitoring the situation, mindful of the likelihood that the Celtics will be luxury tax payers after this season (assuming there is a luxury tax) and would benefit significantly if Baker's salary came off the books
2 comments:
I was very happy to read that Vin is now training to be a manager at Starbucks and is enjoying the work. He's also a minister now. So it appears that he has indeed beaten those old demons.
I was very happy to read that Vin is now training to be a manager at Starbucks and is enjoying the work. He's also a minister now. So it appears that he has indeed beaten those old demons.
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