Dispatch
NBA NOTEBOOK
Ex-Buckeye O’Brien turns down offer from Celtics
Monday, May 22, 2006
FROM WIRE REPORTS
Citing personal reasons and poor timing, former Ohio State coach Jim O’Brien yesterday declined the Boston Celtics’ offer of an assistant coaching position.
O’Brien said his decision "had nothing to do with the Celtics," praising the organization, executives Danny Ainge and Leo Papile, and coach Doc Rivers for their professionalism.
"They were great to me," said O’Brien, who was men’s basketball coach at Boston College for 11 seasons (1986-97) before coaching at Ohio State (1997-2004). "I’m flattered they had the interest that they had.
"It really is about me and a personal thing with me. The timing is not great for me to make the commitment that I would have to make to do that job properly. It’s almost as simple as that.
"I live in Boston. I like the Celtics. I hope they do very, very well. I’m always pulling for them. [The decision] has all to do with where I’m at now."
Jim O'Brien (officially erased and paid cheat)
BUCKS!
