Baker clears waivers............

["Belanger, Roger" <Roger.Belanger@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

FYI, and so the battle begins...............

roger


Baker clears waivers; Celtics terminate contract
Posted: Wednesday February 18, 2004 2:23PM; Updated: Wednesday February 18,
2004 2:32PM

BOSTON (AP) -- The Celtics have released Vin Baker after the forward cleared
waivers following his suspension for violating the terms of his alcohol
aftercare program.

The team announced on its Web site Wednesday afternoon that Baker's contract
had been terminated and he was now a free agent. The NBA players'
association had said it would file a grievance over any attempt to avoid
paying the $36 million the suspended former All-Star is owed over the next 2
1/2 years.

 
The team placed Baker on waivers after he missed the 10th straight game of
his latest suspension for violating the terms of his alcohol rehabilitation
aftercare agreement. That triggered a clause in the agreement that gave the
Celtics control over his future.

Baker missed two months and the playoffs last year after he checked into a
Connecticut rehab center. He agreed at the time to a follow-up program this
season that would involve frequent testing.

Baker failed to comply with the terms of the agreement at least three times
before being suspended indefinitely on Jan. 23. The agreement dictated that
only the doctor agreed to by both sides could determine when he's ready to
return; after the suspension reached 10 games, that authority would transfer
to the team.



Roger S. Belanger
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