Derek Fisher Fends Off Side Deal Allegations

These are trying times for Derek Fisher. One the one hand, D-Fish the player must be as frustrated as ever that he’s not allowed to collect checks playing the game he loves. On the business side, Fisher the president of the players association is feeling the heat.

Unable to get the owners to budge from their 50-50 split of basketball revenue the union is now fending off allegations that Fisher engaged in some backroom dealings with David Stern. Rumor has it that D-Fish did the union dirty by agreeing with Stern on an even split.

No real surprise that Fisher was quick to dismiss the reports. As he’s done in the past, Fisher sent a letter to his fellow players explaining the union’s current stance while also shooting down those wretched rumors.

"“Usually I wouldn’t even dignify absurd media reports with a comment. My loyalty has and always will be with the players. Anyone that questions that or doubts that does not know me, my history, and what I stand for. And quite frankly, how dare anyone call that into question.”"

With lockout looking more likely to threaten the entire season these talks of union dissention come at a terrible time. Billy Hunter’s decision to not decertify has already been hailed as a terrible miscalculation. At the mercy of the owners the players are now facing a tough uphill battle.

It is already known that the owners are no more a untied front than the players are. Some owners are willing to make a deal while others are sticking to their guns. Same goes for the players. At least if you believe JaVale McGhee.

Whatever is really going on behind closed doors it is obvious that nothing is being done to make progress towards ending the lockout. More public scandal means less labor negotiating. Yesterday was supposed to be the opening night of NBA action. Instead it just proves as a reminder of how horribly both sides have gone about their business.

With no future talks currently on the docket it would appear as if the month of December is now in the crosshairs of Commissioner Stern.