Stern to beef up security for NBA teams abroad
NBA commissioner David Stern, right, poses with Italian stylist Giorgio Armani ahead of the New York Knicks' preseason opener against Italian team Olimpia Milano in Milan, Italy. (Oct. 3, 2010) Credit: AP
MILAN - David Stern usually is the one issuing warnings to his NBA teams. But after the U.S. State Department issued a warning Sunday to Americans traveling in Europe to be vigilant about possible terrorist attacks, the commissioner has reason to be concerned about the safety of the three NBA teams currently in Europe as part of the league's preseason marketing tour.
"I can tell you we're in touch with the State Department and all the appropriate U.S. authorities and embassies around Europe," Stern said in his address before yesterday's exhibition game here between the Knicks and Armani Jeans Milano. "We are taking support security measures for all members of our traveling party."
Stern then eyed the gathering of reporters, which included four beat writers from New York, grinned and said, "Believe it or not, including the media."
According to a report from the United Kingdom's Sky News, al-Qaida is planning coordinated attacks in the U.K., Germany and France. The Knicks will spend the next three days in Paris, culminating with Wednesday's preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Knicks, who travel via private chartered flights and with a security detail, have advised their players and staff to be aware of their surroundings.
The Lakers play the Timberwolves Monday in London.
Stern also addressed LeBron James' assertions during a recent CNN interview that the backlash he has received for his televised announcement - "The Decision" on ESPN - to sign with the Miami Heat is racially motivated.
"Number one, I wish it were so that America was a post-racial society, but I don't think that would be quite accurate," Stern said. "That being said, I believe the vast majority of the reaction to LeBron, but not necessarily all, was not motivated by racial issues."
Count Stern among those who were highly critical of James' choice to go ahead with "The Decision." He also lamented the fact that the two-time MVP left Cleveland.
