Seikaly files grievance against Nets

Rony Seikaly filed a grievance against the New Jersey Nets, charging that his former team still owes him $4.5 million because he was injured when he was released.

Rony Seikaly filed a grievance against the New Jersey Nets, charging that his former team still owes him $4.5 million because he was injured when he was released.

The Nets waived Seikaly on 3 August. His agent, Steve Kauffman, said on Tuesday that Seikaly was released because he was seriously injured, requiring the Nets to pay the remainder of his salary.

Seikaly, a native of Lebanon, has a provision in his contract that says the Nets don't have to pay him if his release was based on a lack of skill. He must be paid if he is injured.

Seikaly played in only 18 of 79 games for New Jersey after being acquired from the Orlando Magic midway through the 1997-98 season.

Seikaly, 34, missed almost all of this past lockout-shortened season with a sprained ankle and a foot injury. He scored 13 points in 88 minutes, finishing the season nine shy of 10,000 career points.

He underwent surgery on his right foot about 6-8 weeks ago, Kauffman said.

"We don't know if he will ever play again," Kauffman said. "This is a serious injury that was misdiagnosed by two teams."

For his career Seikaly has averaged 14.7 points and 9.5 rebounds.

Seikaly did play basketball over the summer, appearing for Lebanon in qualifying for the Asian championships. He had 38 points, 20 rebounds and four blocked shots as his team qualified with a 90-60 victory over Jordan.

Yet reports from the games said Seikaly was slowed by the pain in his right foot.

The grievance was filed about a month ago, though it is uncertain when the hearing will be held. The league has no arbitrator in place.