Monday, June 04, 2007

This whole Donovan thing is confusing

Well last night when I went to bed, there were early reports that Donovan wanted to get out of his contract that he signed just three days ago with the Orlando Magic, and it appears that he still does. But there are conflicting reports on whether or not the Magic will allow him to break his contract.

The Orlando Sentinel reported early this morning that Orland will indeed allow Donovan to leave and may have already found his replacement.


On Monday morning, the Magic issued a statement, saying, " While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at him since that time.

"Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA. We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours, and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue.''

They later went on to say that in all likelihood Donovan's predecessor will be Stan Van Gundy formally with the Miami Heat. Van Gundy is also involved in the head coaching job for the Sacramento Kings.

But then ESPN says something different, Andy Katz is reporting that the Magic may not let him out of his contract and they are trying to convince him to stay in Orlando.

"We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue."

Does this mean they will make him stay? Well, no, but it also mentions that there is a penalty if he does decide to back out. If I were the Magic I would try my damnedest to get Donovan to want to stay, obviously if he has no desire to coach then you have to let him go, because then he would lose all respect of his players and the fans. Whatever his final decision is, he's going to piss off one part of Florida, either Gainesville or Orlando.

See this story on the Fanhouse, Deadspin, Larry Brown Sports too name a few.

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