Phil Jackson to help Pistons find next coach

Published May 03, 2013

Sports Network

Auburn Hills, MI –  Phil Jackson has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity in the Detroit Pistons' search for a new head coach.

The Pistons fired Lawrence Frank last month following a 29-53 season. Frank posted a record of 54-94 during his two seasons in Detroit.

"Phil Jackson is a friend and one of the best minds in the business," Pistons owner Tom Gores said. "We are thrilled to have him as an adviser as we make some very important decisions for this franchise. Joe (Dumars) and I discussed this and he and I are in full agreement that this is a great opportunity."

Jackson, who stepped down as coach of the Lakers following the 2010-11 season, won six titles with the Chicago Bulls and five more with the Lakers.

"Tom and I discussed using a consultant as part of our decision-making process in our search for a head coach and we feel that Phil Jackson is a great resource to use," Dumars said. "I look forward to talking with Phil next week."

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Jesse Jackson Sr. to attend Hugo Chavez funeral in Caracas

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. will be attending the state funeral for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday in Caracas, the nation's capital.

Jackson, founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, will be leading a delegation organized by the civil rights organization -- which is separate from the official U.S. delegation.

"I had the opportunity to know President Chavez in a direct and personal way," Jackson Sr. said in a statement to Fox News. "I extend my deepest condolences to his family and along with people around the globe, am deeply saddened by his passing."

According to a Jackson aide traveling with the civil rights leader, he is scheduled to arrive Thursday night.

Jackson Sr. was presented with the Liberator's Award by Chavez in 2005, and spoke to the Venezuelan Parliament as part of the ceremony.

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Jesse Jackson Sr. to attend Hugo Chavez funeral in Caracas

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. will be attending the state funeral for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday in Caracas, the nation's capital.

Jackson, founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, will be leading a delegation organized by the civil rights organization -- which is separate from the official U.S. delegation.

"I had the opportunity to know President Chavez in a direct and personal way," Jackson Sr. said in a statement to Fox News. "I extend my deepest condolences to his family and along with people around the globe, am deeply saddened by his passing."

According to a Jackson aide traveling with the civil rights leader, he is scheduled to arrive Thursday night.

Jackson Sr. was presented with the Liberator's Award by Chavez in 2005, and spoke to the Venezuelan Parliament as part of the ceremony.

View the original article here

Lauren Jackson recovering from hamstring surgery, but has no plans to play until next year

Published March 26, 2013

Associated Press

SYDNEY –  Lauren Jackson says she has no plans to play basketball until she returns to the Seattle Storm next May for the 2014 WNBA season, and that she's experiencing no pain for the first time in three years.

Jackson, who has won four Olympic medals with Australia, including a bronze last year at the London Games, underwent surgery on her right hamstring in January, a chronic injury which she says nearly forced her to retire.

The three-time WNBA MVP told Australian media that "now I'm running up hills, doing everything I can, pain-free."

Jackson has not played a full WNBA season since 2010, when Seattle won its second league title. In nine games last year after the Olympics, she averaged a career-low 10.2 points.

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