Report: Phil Jackson likely to be fined over comments about Ohio State's Russell
A subtle compliment is probably going to cost Phil Jackson.
The New York Knicks president commented on Ohio State freshman D'Angelo Russell after watching the Buckeyes take down Nebraska on Thursday, telling Doug Lesmerises of The Cleveland Plain Dealer:
"He's a great-looking kid. Great prospect."
Unfortunately, team officials aren't allowed to comment on draft-ineligible players, and since Russell hasn't declared for the draft, Jackson's comments are a no-no.
On Friday, word came that the league was looking into the matter, and Jackson will likely be fined, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, who cited league sources.
Russell, the top-ranked point guard in the prospective 2015 draft class, is expected to be a top-five pick, while the league-worst Knicks (10-46) are currently slated for the best odds of landing the No. 1 overall selection.
Russell is averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals on 46 percent shooting, including 42.7 percent 3-point shooting.