NBA docks Kings $30,000 for video stunt

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NEW YORK -- The Sacramento Kings were fined $30,000 by the NBA on Monday for showing derogatory images of Detroit on video screens prior to their home opener against the Pistons.

When the Pistons were introduced Nov. 8, the Arco Arena scoreboard flashed pictures of abandoned buildings, burned-out cars, piles of rubble and other negative images of Detroit. The Pistons won the game 102-88.

The Kings apologized that night and owners Joe and Gavin Maloof bought full-page ads that ran in The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, expressing "great respect for Detroit's long and rich tradition as a landmark American city and the incredibly positive impact the Motor City has made over the course of our country's history."

Pistons coach Flip Saunders said he and his assistants were initially angered by the display, but settled down after hearing from the Kings.

"Their organization has always been very first-class. Opening night, sometimes they get really excited," Saunders told the Free Press. "Some of their people, they just really weren't quite thinking all the way."

NBA policy prohibits "ridiculing of opponents or game officials ... via PA announcements, video, or matrix displays, music or mascot skits."

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press

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