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Donovan might be banned from coaching in the NBA for 5 yrs
Posted: May 31 07, 1:46 pm
by jdk82
Billy Donovan is expected to become the next coach of the Orlando Magic after he was presented with a substantial contract offer, officials with the NBA team told the Orlando Sentinel.
Donovan, 42, is coming off back-to-back NCAA titles with the Florida Gators. He was in the midst of negotiations for a contract extension at Florida when the offer arrived.
Donovan would be replacing Brian Hill, who was fired last week after back-to-back losing seasons. Two league sources had told the Sentinel on Tuesday that the Magic had been in contact with Donovan's agent, Lonnie Cooper. When asked about the job Wednesday, though, Donovan said he had not spoken with the Magic.
The University of Florida had been making plans to announce Donovan's contract extension next week. On Wednesday night, though, the Magic made a firm offer to Donovan.
Donovan would become the eighth head coach of the franchise.
The Gators beat Ohio State this spring in the national championship game for their second title in a row, but he was losing his top six players.
Donovan repeatedly has said that the NBA "intrigued him,'' but also said he was happy with the college game. Donovan has no NBA coaching experience, but he played briefly with the New York Knicks for coach Rick Pitino.
Before coming to the Gators, he was the head coach at Marshall University.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/b ... ?track=rss
Edit: ESPN is reporting that Billy Donovan may be asked to refrain from coaching in the NBA for five years if he ends up wiggling out of his contract with the Orlando Magic.
Donovan has secured legal representation and is working with the Magic in order to void the contract he signed on Friday. All indications are that he will not coach the Magic and will return to the University of Florida. Legal negotiations could carry on for a few days as the details are worked out
Posted: May 31 07, 2:12 pm
by Socnorb11
Stunner!
Posted: May 31 07, 2:27 pm
by robbotis
Dumb move.
Unless they made him so rich he had to take it, I'd stay in college.
Posted: May 31 07, 2:29 pm
by Secret Weapon
6 million per year is hard to turn down
Posted: May 31 07, 2:55 pm
by robbotis
whyhellothere wrote:6 million per year is hard to turn down
Ok, that would make up my mind.
Posted: June 3 07, 10:23 pm
by TimeForGuinness
ESPN is reporting that he is trying to get out of his contract and go BACK to Florida.
Wow.
Posted: June 3 07, 11:56 pm
by cabby7588
TimeForGuinness wrote:ESPN is reporting that he is trying to get out of his contract and go BACK to Florida.
Wow.
Ridiculous. Pick a team and dedicate your loyalty to it. Florida will probably take him back, though.
Posted: June 4 07, 12:22 am
by DynamicDynamite
cabby7588 wrote:TimeForGuinness wrote:ESPN is reporting that he is trying to get out of his contract and go BACK to Florida.
Wow.
Ridiculous. Pick a team and dedicate your loyalty to it. Florida will probably take him back, though.
of course they would.. it would help them not have to find another coach..
I just know if Im a potential NBA team if he gets out of this contract then he becomes a lifer in the NCAA cause I sure as hell wouldnt want to "sign him" and then have him say he doesnt want to be there...
guess he thinks this is a college job where he can sign a contract and then turn around and say he doesnt want to be there... The Magic just invested 25 million in you over 5 years.. you think they are going to let you walk away?
Posted: June 4 07, 10:41 am
by Socnorb11
Apparently the Magic sold a truckload of season tickets the day after announcing him as coach. I wonder how those fans are feeling about now. I'd be asking for a refund......
Donovan's credibility just dropped off a cliff.
Posted: June 9 07, 7:16 pm
by manning18
I like how after they announced Stan Van Gundy as coach, the GM said Van Gundy was the best choice. Really? Who gave Donovan the contract then?
