Bogues cleared to play

However, team management emphasized Tuesday that Bogues must accept considerable risk to his chronically injured left knee.

Bogues practiced for the first time this preseason, then flew with the team to San Jose, Calif., for a two-exhibition trip. A magnetic resonance imaging showed no new damage to Bogues' knee over the summer. But team vice president Bob Bass carefully avoided giving Bogues a clean bill of health.

``Dr. (Glenn) Perry didn't expect much change because there was no stress -- no long workouts'' over the summer, Bass said. ``He still thinks Muggsy is taking a risk -- a dangerous risk -- to continue to play. . . .

``It's (Bogues') decision to play. He understands his condition and the risk that he's taking.''

Bogues was held out of seven practices because he initially refused to take the MRI. He's been troubled for years by a lack of cartilage in his left knee, and may eventually need a knee replacement.

``My doctor and Dr. Perry (the team physician), they've both given me an indication I am taking a risk,'' said Bogues. ``But that risk has always been there. . . . No one (else) can determine when you need to leave the game of basketball. Only you decide that.''

Bass considered requiring Bogues to sign a waiver of responsibility if he wanted to continue playing. That ultimately wasn't necessary, Bass said, because there is already a similar release in Bogues' contract.

With his medical situation settled at least temporarily, Bogues got back to basketball Tuesday. He seems resigned to the inevitable that free agent David Wesley will replace him as the starting point guard.

``They made it clear who they want as a starter,'' Bogues said. ``I don't make the decision who plays, who goes on the floor. I'm gonna do my job. I'm still here, I'm going to be a professional about it.''

Hornets coach Dave Cowens said in June he thought Bogues should retire to avoid further knee injury. Cowens said Tuesday he's made no decisions on a rotation, but added that Wesley was signed in part ``to know we go into every game with a particular lineup intact.''

Cowens was troubled much of last season by not knowing whether Bogues would be healthy enough to play.

A source close to the NBA said Tuesday that Bogues' representatives withdrew the grievance they filed against the Hornets. Sources say that grievance involved the need for an MRI and whether Bogues was promised a job with the Hornets after he retires as a player.

Bogues wouldn't discuss the grievance Tuesday.

NOTE: The Hornets will hold two-a-day practices today and Thursday in San Jose, then play the Golden State Warriors Friday night. They play the Jazz in Salt Lake City Saturday night, then fly home.

``They made it clear who they want as a starter. I don't make the decision who plays, who goes on the floor. I'm gonna do my job. I'm still here, I'm going to be a professional about it.''
MUGGSY BOGUES

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