Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 23, 1990 TAG: 9006230088
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short
Thompson agonized over the offer from the NBA franchise, the first black-owned team in professional sports, for five days.
At a campus news conference, he said, "I talked with an awful lot of people who mean an awful lot to me. Then I gave myself a day of reflection. And I have decided to remain at Georgetown."
Thompson, who took Georgetown to the NCAA title in 1984, has been among the nation's coaching giants for nearly two decades and has been the target of several NBA offers. He called the Denver opportunity "the most serious by far."
"The timing was just not the best," Thompson said. "I looked at the total package and said, `The time is not right.' "
He did not elaborate.
Earlier in the week, Thompson appeared to be leaning the Nuggets' way, pronouncing himself "excited as hell" over the offer, particularly since it involved a 4 percent interest in the team as well as a salary near $700,000 a year for five years. Thompson makes more than $500,000 annually at Georgetown, including a shoe contract and outside payments.
After taking over a team that went 4-23 in 1971, Thompson has built a 423-142 record at Georgetown. He has taken the Hoyas to the NCAA Tournament 14 times, also finishing second in 1982 and 1985.
Nuggets managing general partner Peter Bynoe said the search for a general manager will be put on hold until after Wednesday's NBA draft.
by CNB