Bogues submits to test under protest

Bogues' attorney, David Falk, has filed a grievance against the Hornets through the NBA Players Association. Falk told The Observer on Monday he suspects the Hornets may use results of a magnetic resonance imaging on Bogues' left knee to force him into retirement.

``He's already taken two MRIs. It's our opinion they're engaging in a pattern of conduct intended to force him to retire,'' Falk said.

Bogues took the MRI late Monday afternoon; results won't be available until today. Hornets vice president Bob Bass said doctors' evaluation of that test will determine whether Bogues is allowed to practice or play. Bogues missed the team's first seven practices after initially refusing to take another MRI.

``I'm waiting, just like everybody else. I hope I'll find out early in the morning'' in time for practice, Bogues said.

The Hornets fly to San Jose, Calif., this afternoon for a five-day, two-game preseason trip. Bass expects to know the MRI results well before the team plane leaves about 1 p.m.

``You know he had an MRI in October and another one in May. There was considerable damage from October to May,'' Bass said. ``That's the reason we want this.''

Bogues has played with an injured left knee for several years. Last spring Dr. Glenn Perry, the Hornets team physician, suggested Bogues consider retirement to avoid further damage. Bogues said he feels no knee pain and ``I'll know when it's time to stop playing.''

``The issues are how much pain he's able to take and whether he'll need a knee replacement. No test can determine that,'' Falk said. ``It's his state of mind that is the best determination of that.

``He's given his heart, soul and sweat to this team for 10 years. They owe it to him to show he can still play the sport.''

Bogues has two seasons left on his current contract. Over the summer, the Hornets signed free agent David Wesley, who is expected to replace Bogues as the starting point guard.

Falk also contends Hornets management hasn't made good on promises made to Bogues in a summer meeting. Falk wouldn't specify what was promised, but several sources said the two sides discussed a front-office job for Bogues after he retires as a player.

``We felt that commitments were made to him (in an August meeting) that have not been honored,'' Falk said. ``George (Shinn, the Hornets owner) came up with a game plan, and they have not followed through on it.''

Bass declined to comment on Falk's statements, saying he didn't want to prejudice the grievance process. Shinn has been unavailable for comment since a Charlotte woman accused him of sexual misconduct last month.

Bogues is scheduled to make $4.6 million if he plays the remaining two seasons on his contract. He is guaranteed $3.8 million if injury ends his career.

Two sources close to the NBA said the Hornets could recoup most, if not all, of that money through disability insurance if Bogues retires because of injury. It's standard practice around the NBA for teams to insure guaranteed contracts against career-ending injuries.

No date has been set for a grievance hearing, which would be heard by arbitrator John Feerick.

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