Here's the link & story. http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1002,90%7E296785,00.html Issel resigns from Nuggets By Marc J. Spears Denver Post Sports Writer Wednesday, December 26, 2001 - The agent for Denver Nuggets president and coach Dan Issel said Wednesday that his client has accepted a buyout and has resigned. Though agent Warren LeGarie would not disclose the amount of the buyout, he said "it is comfortable for both," and he expects it to be signed this afternoon. The Nuggets are expected to make a formal announcement without Issel present tonight prior to their game against Minnesota at the Pepsi Center. Issel was slated to make $2.5 million this season with one more season remaining on his contract. The former Nuggets star and Hall of Famer completed his six-year coaching career with the club with a 180-208 record. Nuggets interim coach Mike Evans, who has a 2-3 record entering the Minnesota game, likely will replace Issel the rest of the season. "It is in the best interest that Dan removes himself and is not going to be a distraction," LeGarie said. Issel was suspended for four games after making an ethnically insensitive comment toward a Hispanic fan on Dec. 11 following a loss against Charlotte. Issel apologized for his remarks publicly and privately to Hispanics, Hispanic leaders and the media, and plans to make more appearances of reconciliation in the future. Issel was expected to return to the bench last Saturday against Golden State at the Pepsi Center, but the team announced that he asked and received permission for a leave of absence to contemplate his future. LeGarie said Issel was "struggling" with the decision on Tuesday night and decided to resign Wednesday morning. The agent also said Issel was given the option of returning to coaching or taking a buyout early last week. "Like everything else, there are torn emotions," LeGarie said. "Not being able to do something you love doing. But there is not being able to do it with the support that will make it right. It is tough enough to coach on good days without the right support." LeGarie said that Issel will undergo anger management and racial sensitivity classes when 2002 begins to help him "reform his feelings." He also hoped that Issel will be involved with the Nuggets in a consulting fashion in the future. When asked what was next for Issel, LeGarie said: "We don't know yet. It's still too soon. He's trying to get more in touch with himself."
Unless they hire Drexler at the end of the year. Then we can try to exploit the Houston connection, before he quits. Right NugzFan?