October 16, 2002


Salt Lake City - The healing process begins today for Antonio McDyess, who is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair his cracked left kneecap. But it appears the rift between the Knicks and their other injured star, Latrell Sprewell, might be deepening. Sprewell was expected to begin a conditioning program for his fractured right hand yesterday, but he failed to show up at the team's new training complex.

Sprewell has expressed anger at the organization for its decision to punish him for failing to report his injury in a timely fashion. The Knicks fined him $250,000 and told him he can't associate with the team "until he can make a positive contribution." Apparently, he's not ready to do that.

On Monday, team president and general manager Scott Layden said Sprewell would begin his conditioning program yesterday, a full two weeks after he underwent surgery to repair his right pinkie. The implication was that Sprewell would work at the complex while the Knicks were away on a three-game road trip.

Layden yesterday denied that suggestion, but coach Don Chaney obviously expected Sprewell to be at the training facility. He placed a telephone call to Sprewell that went unanswered yesterday morning. "I think he was on his way to the training site to do some things," Chaney said. "I'll get in touch with him today for sure to see how he's doing."

Chaney never did hear from Sprewell, who hasn't returned Chaney's calls since speaking to him on Media Day Sept. 30. Layden declined further comment about Sprewell yesterday.

As for McDyess, he received second and third medical opinions yesterday, and all the doctors agreed surgery is necessary to mend his kneecap. It will be performed by Knicks physician Norman Scott. No timetable for his recovery will be available until after the operation.