Jacksonville Jam settles with players, coaches

Photo: Jacksonville Jam head coach Mike Gillespie is seeking his paycheck along with Jam players, or the nets on the franchise will be cut down.

The minor-league team hadn't been paid this season, Gillespie says.

The Jacksonville Jam will play on, as players and coaches for the Premier Basketball League team reached an agreement with owner Felix Krupczynski on Thursday to continue their season.

According to head coach Mike Gillespie, players and coaches received a partial salary payment, their first of the season. Gillespie said the team had played without pay since official practices began Dec. 15.

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We really don't like to see this type of situation happening to players and coaches of so-called professional leagues. Where was the PBL Commissioner, former NBA star and TNT analyst Kenny Smith in the resolution of this important matter?

The fallout of this mess is former Florida A&M University player and starting point guard Tony Tate decided to leave the Jam. Forward Napoleon Rhodes also decided to leave due to this payment issue. All work and no pay is not a good situation.

Former FAMU players Brian Greene, forward and Terrence Woods, guard will remain with Gillespie and the team. Clear case of breach of contract by the Jam owners and the PBL.

-beepbeep

Jacksonville JAM falls in opener to Rochester Razorsharks

Former Florida A&M Rattlers guard Brian Greene led the JAM in scoring at 17, in season opener.

Press Release

Jacksonville, FL--The Rochester RazorSharks started off their 2008 Inaugural season in the Premier Basketball League with a 101-83 victory over the Jacksonville Jam led by James “Mook” Reaves with 20 points. The Jam started off hot, beginning the game off with a 7-0 run, but the RazorSharks finished the quarter strong to a 19-19 tie at the end of the 1st quarter.

The RazorSharks were able to go on an impressive 21-9 run in the first 4:00 minutes of the 2nd quarter. The RazorSharks went into the half with a 51-37 lead aided by Keith Friel’s 15 points, 4-6 from behind the arc in the first half and finished with 5 3-pointers and a total of 18 points for the game.

The Jacksonville Jam countered with a 20-7 run to close out the 3rd quarter. Derik Hollyfield’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer helped swing the momentum back to the RazorSharks, as that brought the 3rd quarter to a 67-61 RazorSharks lead.

With 2:25 left to play, the RazorSharks capped off a 23-8 run. The RazorSharks went 21-27 from the free throw line, including 11-12 in the second half to close out the game. The RazorSharks 1st round draft pick, Vidal Massiah, finished the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Franklin High School’s own, Marlin Johnson, finished the game with 7 rebounds.

The RazorSharks continue their season opening road trip vs. the Wilmington SeaDawgs at 5:00pm (est.). Jacksonville plays at Reading tonight.

Former Florida A&M University men basketball coach Mike Gillespie is head coach of the JAM, with FAMUan Brian Green and Terrance Woods playing the guard positions. Greene was the leading JAM scorer at 17 points.

The RazorSharks will be back on Monday to prepare for their Home Opener Weekend on Saturday, January 12 vs. the Reading Railers at 2:05pm (est.) and an early season rematch with the Jam on Sunday, January 13 at 1:05 (est.).

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