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To: John Carragher who wrote (12914)	12/29/1999 12:01:00 PM
From: SIer formerly known as Joe B.	Respond to of 62549

Latrell Sprewell claims he's sorry P.J. lost his job (KRT) NEW YORK _ Two years ago, Latrell Sprewell placed his hands around P.J. Carlesimo's neck and threatened to kill him. But Tuesday, with Carlesimo out of a job, Sprewell refused to bury his former coach. ''I feel sorry for anyone who loses their job,'' Sprewell said. ''Obviously, we all try to do the best we can to be successful and when that doesn't happen it's disappointing and it makes you feel like you failed. So I hate to see anyone in that position.'' Carlesimo was fired by the Golden State Warriors on Monday following a 6-21 start. His overall record in 21/2 seasons was 46-113 but his brief stay with Golden State will forever be linked to Sprewell and the events of Dec. 1, 1997 when Sprewell attacked Carlesimo during a practice. ''I've accepted that a long time ago so that doesn't bother me at all,'' Sprewell said, before going out and shooting 4-of-16 as the Knicks were beaten by the Nets, 89-83, at the Meadowlands. ''I understand that's going to be something that I have to live with for the rest of my career and frankly, I can live with that.'' Asked about the Sprewell altercation after his firing, Carlisemo said: ''That's something that happened, that's there, that's part of my resume that every one gets a chance to pass on.'' In the days and months following the attack, Sprewell was labeled as professional sports' biggest pariah. He lost approximately $6 million in salary and was suspended for 64 games. The next season, Sprewell was traded to the Knicks, rehabilitated his image somewhat and helped lead his team to the NBA Finals. Two months ago, he was rewarded with a $61 million contract extension. And Carlesimo is out of work. ''The only way I would feel vindicated would be if we had won last year against the Spurs,'' said Sprewell. ''I really haven't accomplished what I want to accomplish, other than me being here and re-signing with the Knicks. I feel good about being here but I wouldn't say I feel vindicated because he lost his job.'' Sprewell never embraced Carlesimo's coaching style, which some players regarded as abrasive. Still, the fact that the Warriors roster is considered one of the weakest in the league has more to do with their record than Carlesimo's personality. ''I heard some players say he was a little more easy on guys after the incident between him and myself,'' Sprewell said. ''It was my understanding that he had kinda calmed down some and was more understanding of the players and their input.'' Sprewell's teammate, Rick Brunson, telephoned him late Monday night to inform him of Carlesimo's dismissal. Sprewell, who had heard rumors of Carlesimo's imminent demise, was not shocked by the news. Nor will he be surprised to see Carlesimo resurface somewhere in the NBA. ''The nature of our league is guys getting second opportunities so I wouldn't be surprised to see someone else give P.J. another opportunity to coach,'' said Sprewell, who himself was granted a chance to salvage his career and reputation. ''And if he's back I'm sure I'll hear the stories about what happened again.'' The Knicks beat the Warriors in both meetings this season and in both games Sprewell elected not to shake Carlesimo's hand. Sprewell claims he would like to talk to his former coach but he didn't want his act of contrition to come across as a staged event. ''I don't think it is something we should do just for the media or to show everyone we shook hands,'' he said. New York Daily News.